entertainment

Ultragenyx said Thursday afternoon that its gene therapy for a rare liver ailment, glycogen disease type 1A, succeeded in a Phase 3 trial, setting up a potential approval.

Patients with GSD1a, as the condition is often known, have a genetic mutation that prevents them from adequately maintaining blood sugar levels. Once considered fatal, GSD1a can now be controlled with regular doses of cornstarch. But if patients miss a dose, there can be significant, even life-threatening, complications.

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In the 49-person, randomized study, patients who received the Ultragenyx drug were able to take 41% less cornstarch after 48 weeks than they did at the start. Patients on placebo took only 10% less. The difference was statistically significant. Five patients were not included in the analysis, as three dropped out and the company didn’t have 48-week data from two.

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