Theranexus and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation Announce Strong Positive Real-World Data Supporting Batten-1 Efficacy for the Treatment of Batten Disease

Lyon, France – Austin, Texas, United States – Mai 13, 2025 – 6.00 pm CET –Theranexus, a

biopharmaceutical company developing drug candidates for rare neurological diseases and the Beyond

Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), today announced new real-world data strongly supporting the efficacy of

Batten-1 (miglustat) as a treatment for CLN3 disease, also known as juvenile Batten disease.

 

The analysis evaluated visual acuity outcomes in CLN3 patients treated with Batten-1 (miglustat, n=11),

versus untreated patients (n=22), using real-world data collected from natural history studies, family

interviews, published reports, and prescribers’ personal communications. This analysis focused on patients

with measurable visual acuity at baseline (visual acuity score ≤ 1.9 LogMAR) and compared the progression

of visual function between groups over a 12-month period. To ensure an appropriate comparison between the

treated and untreated groups, a propensity score methodology was applied.

 

The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful difference in favor of

Batten-1 treatment on visual function with a notable preservation of visual acuity in treated patients

compared to untreated patients. The notable preservation of visual acuity in treated patients compared to

untreated patients add to the positive results from the Phase 1/2 study of Batten-11 and underscore the

potential of miglustat to address critical unmet needs in Batten disease. The visual acuity endpoint used in

the real-world analysis is the same as that selected for the planned pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of Batten-1,

a design endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)2 and the European Medicines Agency

(EMA)3.

 

“We are deeply grateful to the patients, their families, and the healthcare providers who made this important

analysis possible by agreeing to share their experiences and those unique clinical data. This collaboration has

been essential in demonstrating Batten-1 potential to change the course of CLN3 disease” explains Craig

Benson, Chairman of the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation.

 

“Achieving near stabilization of visual acuity over 12 months in CLN3 patients is truly remarkable and

unprecedented. In this population, we would typically expect a relentless decline in vision. These results offer

real hope for altering the natural progression of the disease,” commented Dr. Gary Clark, MD, Chief of

Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

“These results have been observed using the primary efficacy endpoint defined in our Phase 3 trial, this is

highly reassuring. These findings strongly support our development strategy and reinforce the relevance of our

endpoint in demonstrating Batten-1 potential efficacy” concluded Marie Sebille, Chief Medical Officer at

Theranexus.

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Update on the Theranexus’ Batten-1 project in CLN3 Batten’s disease

Lyon, France – Austin, Texas, United States – November 19, 2024 – 6 PM CET – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical

company innovating in the treatment of rare neurological diseases, and the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation

(BBDF) presented the final and positive results of the Phase I/II trial to evaluate Batten-1 in 6 young adult patients

with CLN3 Batten’s disease after 18 months of treatment, at the Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting in San

Diego, 11 to 14th November.

 

This presentation highlights the strong safety profile of miglustat in CLN3 Batten disease patients and underscores

the positive efficacy data gathered during this trial. The findings demonstrate clear target engagement, a

biological effect, and are suggestive of a stabilization of disease progression over the treatment period. All trial

participants chose to continue receiving miglustat through the BBDF’s early access program, with no safety

concerns reported after two years of ongoing treatment.

 

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Theranexus and BBDF Confirm Positive 18-Month Results for Batten-1 in Phase I/II Trial Based on Neuronal Death Biomarker Values

Lyon, France – Austin, Texas, United States – 6 June 2024 – 7:30am CT – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of rare neurological diseases, and the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), confirm positive results in their Phase I/II trial to evaluate Batten-1 in Batten disease (CLN3) after 18 months of treatment. The results indicate a decline in serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neuronal death, and confirm the therapeutic potential of the Batten-1 drug candidate in juvenile (CLN3) Batten disease.

Measurements of the concentration of neurofilament light chains (NfL), a recognized biomarker of neurodegeneration, after 18 months of treatment confirm the 12-month results presented at the International NCL2023 Congress in September 2023. This biomarker, measured in the serum of patients compliant to protocol, decreased by an average of 33% after 18 months of treatment (as a reminder, 32% after 12 months of treatment) compared to pre-treatment level.

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Theranexus Announces Positive Data on Efficacy and Safety in the Phase I/II Trial of Batten-1

Theranexus Announces Positive Data on Efficacy and Safety in the Phase I/II Trial of Batten-1

Stabilization of motor symptom progression in young adult patients suffering from juvenile Batten disease (CLN3) after 18 months of treatment

Lyon, France – Austin, Texas, United States – 17 April 2024 – 3pm CET – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of rare neurological diseases and the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), today announce final positive data on efficacy and safety in the Phase I/II trial of its drug candidate Batten-1 in juvenile Batten disease (CLN3) after 18 months of treatment.

The 18-month safety and efficacy data confirm the 12-month results announced in September 2023. Batten-1 presented a good safety profile. On average, in the 6 young adult patients, treated with Batten-1, progression of motor symptoms was considerably slowed down and appeared stable compared to progression in untreated patients, as evaluated by the modified UBDRS Physical Assessment score. The mean change from baseline was +1,83 for the six subjects treated over 18 months vs +6,04 in untreated subjects from the natural history study conducted by the University of Rochester (n=46).

For Professor Gary Clark, the trial’s principal investigator and Chief of Child Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, “The data collected after 18 months of treatment with Batten-1 further reinforce its highly promising potential. We currently no longer observe a marked progression of motor symptoms in the 6 patients treated. These results support the prospect of a major benefit of Batten-1 for the children with this very severe disease and for their families”.

For Theranexus’ CEO, Mathieu Charvériat: “These positive results on efficacy and safety of Batten-1 are highly encouraging for the patients and their families. Together with BBDF and the investigators we are initiating an Expanded Access Program (EAP) to enable the 6 patients previously in the trial to continue receiving the treatment, considering its favorable risk-benefit profile. These results highlight the strong therapeutic potential Batten-1 on the clinical course of the disease. In this context, we are exploring different funding options to ensure we have the adequate resources to launch a phase 3 pivotal trial, which design has already received positive opinions by the FDA and the EMA”.

As a reminder, the Phase I/II trial conducted by Theranexus and BBDF to evaluate their drug candidate, Batten-1, included six patients with juvenile Batten disease (CLN3) aged 17 years and over. The patients were treated for 18 months. Following their participation in the trial, all patients are offered the possibility to continue receiving the treatment through a compassionate use program. 

About Batten-1
Batten-1 is a novel and exclusive proprietary drug containing the active ingredient miglustat. The mechanism of action of this substance blocks the accumulation of glycosphingolipids and neuroinflammation, thus significantly reducing neuronal death that contributes to a progressive loss of function in patients. For patients over 17 years of age in the Phase I/II trial, the product is administered in solid form. In the Phase III trial, it will be administered in a liquid form better suited to pediatric patients.

Phase I/II trial design: this is an open-label trial involving 6 patients over 17 years of age with CLN3 Batten disease, treated with miglustat up to 600 mg/day for an 18-month period. The primary endpoint is patient safety and tolerability, assessed using reports of adverse effects, biological tests and ECG, as well as the pharmacokinetics of miglustat. The secondary endpoints include biomarkers (NfL, glycosphingolipds), efficacy monitoring: Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale, visual acuity, measurement of brain volumes by MRI and measurement of the thickness of the neuronal layer of the retina by optical coherence tomography scans. Administration of Batten-1 in escalating doses with a maximum of 600 mg/day was well tolerated, with no severe side effects observed causing treatment discontinuation. The most commonly reported adverse events are reversible gastrointestinal effects of often light to moderate severity, thus demonstrating the good tolerability profile of Batten-1 in this population. Further information about the trial is available on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05174039.

About Batten disease
Juvenile Batten disease, also known as Spielmeyer-Vogt or CLN3 disease, is a rare, fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system for which there is no treatment or cure. Juvenile Batten disease belongs to a group of disorders referred to as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). Over 400 different errors in 13 genes have been attributed to various forms of NCL, which differ from one another primarily by when symptoms first appear. The first symptom in the juvenile form, progressive vision loss, appears between the ages of 4 and 6 and is followed by cognitive disorders, behavioral disorders, and motor disorders. Seizures commonly appear within 2-4 years of the onset of disease. Over time, patients continue to decline mentally and physically. Eventually, those affected become wheelchair-bound, are bedridden, and die prematurely.

Juvenile Batten disease is always fatal; usually by the late teens to early 20s. In the United States and Europe, the juvenile form is the most common of the NCLs, which together, affect nearly 2,000 patients[1]. In pathophysiological terms, interactions between neurons and glial cells play key roles in the emergence and progression of all the NCLs.

About Beyond Batten Disease Foundation
Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research for a treatment and cure for juvenile (CLN3) Batten disease. Since its inception in 2008, over $35 million has been invested in research by leveraging donations, co-funding and strategic partnerships. BBDF is spearheading a unique, cohesive strategy, incorporating independent scientific resources and collaboration with related organizations to drive research in juvenile Batten Disease. Today there is a treatment in sight. BBDF funded research has discovered a drug – Batten-1 – that slows the progression of the disease in Batten models. More information can be found at www.beyondbatten.org.

About Theranexus
Theranexus is an innovative biopharmaceutical company that emerged from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The company has a unique platform for the identification and characterization of advanced therapy drug candidates targeting rare neurological disorders and an initial drug candidate in clinical development for Batten disease.

Theranexus is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (FR0013286259- ALTHX).

[1] National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)/Orphanet

 

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Highly Promising 12-month results in the Phase I/II trial of Batten-1

Lyon, France – Austin, Texas, United States – 29 September 2023 – 7.30am – CET – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of rare neurological diseases, and the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), present very encouraging interim results for efficacy and safety after 12 months of treatment in their Phase I/II trial for Batten disease (CLN3) at NCL2023, the International Congress on Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses held in Hamburg (Germany) from 26 to 30 September 2023.

For Professor Gary Clark, the trial’s principal investigator and Chief of Child Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, “The Phase I/II results for Batten-1 are highly promising, as we have observed a reduction in neurofilaments and glycosphingolipids and no notable progression of motor symptoms after 12 months of treatment in our 6 patients aged 17 years and over. This is unprecedented in the indication, and Batten-1 is thus a source of great hope for children affected by the disease and for their families”. Professor Clark will be presenting the 12-month interim efficacy and safety results at the “Translational Research Clinical” session on Friday 29 September at 12.25pm (CEST).

The 12-month treatment results further support the 6-month results announced in mid-June 2023. The new results, achieved after 12 months of treatment, show an average 32% decline in neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in patient serum (as a reminder, 17% after 6 months’ treatment). Neurofilaments are a recognized biomarker of neurodegeneration. A 64% reduction in this biomarker is also observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). After twelve months of treatment, in line with preclinical data the results also confirmed a reduction in the glycosphingolipids involved in the disease (Gb3 reduction of 45%) which, when they accumulate, are toxic to neurons. Clinically, there was notably less worsening of motor symptoms evaluated by the modified UBDRS physical assessment subscale after 12 months than what is expected in this naturally progressive disease.

For Theranexus’ CEO, Mathieu Charvériat: “We are delighted with these 12-month results which confirm and complement our initial 6-month results. The decrease of biomarker levels confirms the effect of Batten-1 on neuronal death, and the clinical course did not worsen. These consistent results represent a significant endorsement of the mechanism of action and demonstrate the strong therapeutic potential of Batten-1 in Batten disease (CLN3)”.

As a reminder, the Phase I/II trial conducted by Theranexus and BBDF to evaluate their drug candidate, Batten-1, includes six patients with Batten disease (CLN3) aged 17 years and over. The patients are being treated over a 24-month period.

The presentation of the 12-month efficacy and safety results will be available online on 29 September after market closing.

For further information about NCL2023: https://ncl2023.de/

Read the full press release here.

Encouraging preliminary 6-month results in the Phase I/II trial of Batten-1 in Batten disease (CLN3)

Lyon, France – Austin, Texas, United States – 14 June 2023 – 7.30am CEST – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of rare neurological diseases, and the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), have today announced encouraging preliminary results achieved with their drug candidate, Batten-1, in juvenile Batten disease as part of the Phase I/II ongoing trial after 6 months of treatment. These preliminary results suggest an effect of Batten-1 on neuronal death and initial signs of clinical efficacy.

Theranexus and BBDF are conducting a Phase I/II trial of their drug candidate in six patients with Batten disease (CLN3) aged 17 years and over who are due to receive treatment over a 24-month period. The first results of this Phase I/II trial after 9 weeks of treatment showed a good tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile for Batten-1. The new preliminary results, achieved after 6 months of treatment, show an average 17% decline in neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in the blood of dosed patients. Neurofilaments are a recognized biomarker of neurodegeneration. Moreover, motor symptoms assessed by the modified physical subscale of the disease- specific UBDRS did not progress over the same period (mean score of 31.8 after 6 months of treatment as against 32.4 at baseline), whereas according to data available describing the natural course of the disease, this clinical score should have progressedby around one point in these patients. Lastly, the drug candidate continues to show a good tolerability profile after six months of treatment.

Read the full press release here.

Theranexus and BBDF granted positive opinion by EMA for the design of Phase III trial to evaluate Batten-1 in CLN3 Batten disease

Lyon, France – Austin, Texas, United States – 7 June 2023 – 7.30 am CEST – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of rare neurological diseases, and the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), have today announced receipt of a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the design of the pivotal Phase III trial to evaluate their Batten-1 drug candidate for Batten disease.

Read the full press release here.

Theranexus and BBDF win FDA approval on efficacy endpoints for the Phase III trial to evaluate Batten-1 in CLN3 Batten disease

Theranexus and BBDF win FDA approval on efficacy endpoints for the Phase III trial to evaluate Batten-1 in CLN3 Batten disease

  • Phase III’s primary endpoint will be visual acuity, with secondary endpoints including assessment of cognitive and motor functions,
  • The FDA confirmed that this sole Phase III trial would secure Batten-1 approval for Batten CLN3 disease.

Lyon, France Austin, Texas, United States 9 May 2023 7.30am CEST Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of neurological diseases, and the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), have today announced receipt of approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the design and primary and secondary endpoints of the pivotal Phase III trial for Batten disease CLN3, at a meeting with the Division of Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics (DRDMG) held in mid-April.

We are delighted with the constructive discussions we had with the FDA on defining the endpoints of Batten-1 and the design of our pivotal Phase III trial. Its valuable guidance allows us to get fully prepared for the trial launch,” explained Theranexus’ Chief Medical Officer Marie Sebille.

We would like to thank the FDA for its support, which is fundamental to the development of our Batten-1 drug candidate, the only asset in active clinical development for Batten disease (CLN3). Our pivotal Phase III trial will enable us to gain approval for Batten-1, and also deliver rich news flow throughout the duration of the Phase III trial thanks to the parallel open-label patient cohort. More generally, we have no doubt that we can deliver a therapeutic response for patients suffering from Batten disease,” added Theranexus’ CEO Mathieu Charvériat.

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 THERANEXUS, BBDF AND CARDIFF UNIVERSITY PRESENT THEIR NOVEL RESEARCH ON BATTEN-1 AND BATTEN DISEASE AT WORLDSYMPOSIUM 2023 

From 22 to 26 February 2023 in Orlando, Florida 

Presentation of preclinical data demonstrating how Batten-1 drastically reduces the buildup of toxic glycosphingolipids in Batten disease and a poster describing for the first time the burden of Batten disease. 

Lyon, France – Austin, Texas, United States – Cardiff, UK – 20 February 2023 – 6pm CET – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of neurological diseases and pioneer in the development of drug candidates modulating the interaction between neurons and glial cells, and its partners Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) and Cardiff University, today announced several presentations at WORLDSymposium 2023, an international scientific event focused on lysosomal diseases (22 to 26 February in Orlando, Florida – United States). 

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New Advance to the Theranexus and BBDF Batten-1 Program for Juvenile Batten Disease (CLN3)

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation is excited to share the latest accomplishment on our journey to find a treatment for juvenile Batten disease. Six young adults over 17 years old have been successfully treated with miglustat over the past year. The results show that the drug is safe to use at the maximum dose. These results, in conjunction with a recent meeting with the FDA, allow us to proceed to the Phase III efficacy trial in 2023. Your support has been critical in the development of this program. We are one step closer to having the first ever treatment for CLN3 disease. Thank you for making this possible.
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