BBDF 101 Update

April 28, 2022
News, Press Releases

BBDF 101 Update

Theranexus announced yesterday that it is now, more than ever, committed to support patients with rare neurological disorders by focusing all its research efforts on these diseases, starting with CLN3. In this context, the project with Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) becomes their flagship project and they have decided to dedicate all resources and efforts to make this project a success to benefit of the CLN3 disease community. Following the initiation of the ongoing Phase l/ll clinical study involving 6 young adult patients, Theranexus and BBDF are in the process of finalizing discussions with the FDA to initiate Phase III.

Read the press release here

BBDF-101 PHASE I/II TRIAL UNDERWAY

February 3, 2022
Research, News, Press Releases

Lyon, France – Austin, TX, USA – 3 February 2022 – 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 the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), are starting recruitment for Phase I/II clinical trial to evaluate BBDF-101 in Batten disease.

Franck Mouthon, Chairman of Theranexus, said: “The launch of recruitment is a key step in the development of our drug candidate BBDF-101. This trial will be conducted with BBDF and in collaboration with leading North American referral centers for Batten Disease, a rare, fatal, genetic disorder of the nervous system. Our ambition is to demonstrate the full potential of BBDF-101 in this disease for which there are currently no therapeutic options for patients.”

Following on from the award of Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its BBDF-101 program in 2021, Theranexus is now actively recruiting patients for its Phase I/II clinical trial. During the 2-year trial, six patients 17-year-old or older will receive BBDF-101 in escalating doses during the first 4.5 months to establish tolerability and pharmacokinetics of trehalose, miglustat and a combination of trehalose/miglustat. The results of the titration phase will be available at the start of the second half of 2022.

After consulting with the FDA, at the end of 2022 Theranexus plans to start a pivotal Phase III trial involving a pediatric cohort of 30 patients with regular measurements to assess disease progression and safety. The aim will be to compare the development of various signs and symptoms in these patients, as rated on the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS, neurological and behavioral symptoms, activities of daily living, etc.), over a period of two years, to data from a study of disease progression in a cohort of untreated patients followed for many years at the University of Rochester.

This Phase III trial will be conducted in collaboration with the leading referral centers for Batten disease in the United States which include the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX, the fourth largest pediatric hospital in the United States, the National Institutes of Health, and the University of Rochester Batten Center in Rochester, NY.

“It is with great gratitude for our patients’ families and donors that we now see the launch of the BBDF-101 clinical program which aims to offer a therapeutic solution for patients suffering from this very rare genetic disease. Achieving this major milestone for the Foundation, in collaboration with Theranexus, is an exciting culmination of almost 12 years of research,” concludes Craig Benson, Chair of the BBDF Board of Directors. 

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 which is followed by personality changes, behavioral problems, and slowed learning. 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. Psychiatric symptoms or psychosis can appear at any time. 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 3,000 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[2]. Today there is a treatment in sight. BBDF funded research has discovered a drug that slows the progression of the disease in Batten models. More information can be found at www.beyondbatten.org

About development of BBDF-101 for Batten disease and the partnership between BBDF and Theranexus

The research funded by BBDF and conducted by academics specializing in lysosomal storage disorders (particularly Baylor College of Medicine) led to the discovery of the drug candidate BBDF-101. Following a partnership agreement between BBDF and Theranexus concluded in late 2019 (see below), Theranexus supplemented preclinical development of BBDF-101 with research to establish product safety. Thanks to the research findings, BBDF-101 will now be able to enter the clinical phase following the grant of IND status by the FDA in September 2021.

The clinical development pathway includes:

  • Phase I/II for which recruitment began today,
  • Phase III due to start by the end of 2022 and to include 30 patients with the aim of achieving final results in the second half of 2025,

The development of BBDF-101 is the result of a partnership concluded between BBDF and Theranexus in late 2019. The exclusive, global license agreement between BBDF and Theranexus covers the clinical development of drug candidate BBDF-101 pending approval and its commercial use. Theranexus also plans to continue its research on the NeuroLead platform of drug candidates targeting neurological forms of other lysosomal disorders.

In consideration for this license, the agreement provides for Theranexus to pay BBDF fixed sums on signing, approval, and achievement of commercial objectives post-approval. Moreover, the agreement provides for payment of royalties calculated based on net sales of BBDF-101 once it is marketed by Theranexus

 

ABOUT THERANEXUS
Theranexus is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that emerged from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 2013. It develops drug candidates for the treatment of nervous system diseases.

Thanks to its knowledge of neuron and glial cell interactions, THERANEXUS is a pioneer in the design and combination of approved substances and has a solid and diversified portfolio of drug candidates in clinical-phase testing. The company’s combined drug repurposing strategy based on a solid commercial footing and a capability to rapidly demonstrate its clinical worth, enables it to produce different high-value-added proprietary drug candidates, significantly reduce development time and costs, and considerably increase the chance of its drugs reaching the market.

Accordingly, THERANEXUS is well-positioned in several indications, including for Parkinson’s and Batten disease, for which there is currently no treatment available.

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

More information on:

http://www.theranexus.com

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Contacts

THERANEXUS

Thierry LAMBERT

Financial and Administrative Director

investisseurs@theranexus.fr

 

NEWCAP

Théo MARTIN/Pierre LAURENT

Relations Investisseurs

+33 (0)1 44 71 94 97

theranexus@newcap.eu

 

FP2COM

Florence PORTEJOIE

Media Relations

+ 33 (0)6 07 76 82 83

fportejoie@fp2com.fr

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

[2] Settembre et al, TFEB links autophagy to lysosomal biogenesis, Science 2011

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation Announces Formal Sponsorship of Care Beyond Diagnosis

September 27, 2021
News, Press Releases

 

Beyond Batten Disease foundation announces formal sponsorship of Care Beyond Diagnosis in effort to establish Clinical Management Guidelines for CLN3 Disease. 

Austin, TX – Raleigh, NC, September 27, 2021 – Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) is pleased to announce a sponsorship agreement with Care Beyond Diagnosis (CBD) to establish internationally validated management guidelines for CLN3 Disease, an ultra-rare, fatal neurodegenerative genetic disorder.

Guidelines which have been methodically and transparently developed can both establish and improve upon a standard of care for patient management. Evidence and consensus-based recommendations for care can improve access to effective management and improve the reimbursement process by recognizing medical necessity.

“Having the support of BBDF is a huge achievement for our team. Obviously, the financial commitment is important for us to keep the program going, but looking ahead towards the publication of the guidelines, BBDF will be instrumental in dissemination of the guidelines into family/caregivers’ hands” says Care Beyond Diagnosis Co-CEO, Jeffrey Donohue. “Engagement from the patient community is a necessity in guideline development.”

President and CEO Mary Beth Kiser says, “BBDF has been keenly interested in guidelines for the CLN3 community for many years.  Thanks to the work of Care Beyond the Diagnosis we are able to meet that need and know this will be a valuable resource for our dedicated community of physicians.”

The development program which began in October 2020 is on track to be completed by year end – 2022 ready for submission to a medical journal. CBD predicts a publication will be available for review by Q2 2023.

The effectiveness of clinical guidelines depends on editorial independence, transparency of process and a validated design. CBD organizes its guideline programs in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation’s AGREE II Tool, a 23-point assessment used to assess clinical guidelines.

In the rare disease community, research is by nature, is lacking. A guideline development program identifies evidence gaps in existing literature, but through a Modified Delphi Consensus Program, generates new evidence where those gaps exist.

Guidelines for Rare Disease is currently an unmet need within the community. With over 7,000 rare diseases and a vast majority currently without a disease altering therapy, guidelines can offer caregivers and clinicians a tool to provide patients with the highest QoL possible.

CBD published guidelines for CLN2 Disease in April of 2021. The program was assessed by independent reviewers according to the AGREE II Tool and received a 5.7 out of 7, according to Donohue, was the highest assessment for a rare disease guideline publication.

About Beyond Batten Disease Foundation: Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) is the world’s largest non-profit 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, coordinated strategy that incorporates independent scientific resources and collaborates with related organizations to drive research in CLN3 disease. More information can be found at www.beyondbatten.org.

About Care Beyond Diagnosis: Care Beyond Diagnosis (CBD) is a non-profit organization dedicated towards supporting patients, families and communities following a rare disease diagnosis. CBD has a vision for improved patient-outcomes through both a  small scale, patient specific approach and through large scale, internationally collaborated Rare Disorder guideline development programs.

www.carebeyonddiagnosis.org

BBDF 101 Wins FDA Investigational New Drug Approval to Pursue Clinical Trials

Lyon, 7 September 2021 – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of neurological diseases, and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF), announce receipt of Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to launch a Phase I/II clinical trial of their drug candidate BBDF 101 for juvenile Batten disease, a rare, fatal, genetic disorder.

Batten disease belongs to a group of disorders referred to as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs).

Read More

BBDF Announces Agreement with Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd to Provide Drug Product for BBDF-101

March 2, 2021
Research, News, Press Releases

Austin, Texas, March 2, 2021

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) is pleased to announce an agreement with Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson, to provide Zavesca® (miglustat) for the development of BBDF-101, a proprietary combination of miglustat and trehalose to treat juvenile Batten disease (CLN3). Janssen will provide drug supply for the clinical trials and Extended Access Program, and right of reference to data within the Zavesca New Drug Application (NDA) to support the development of BBDF-101.

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BBDF-101 Announcement

August 28, 2020
Research, News, Press Releases

We are excited to announce the following major milestone for BBDF!

The FDA has awarded Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations to Beyond Batten Disease Foundation for BBDF-101. The aim of the program is to facilitate the development of new drugs and biological products for the prevention and treatment of rare pediatric diseases. These designations provide accelerated review for approval, support with the FDA regulatory process and at least seven years of post-approval protection, as well as exemption from filing fees that normally have to be paid to the FDA. These designations do not impact the clinical trial, but are beneficial once the therapy receives New Drug Approval. We are grateful to Theranexus for their continued partnership and commitment to initiating a clinical trial for BBDF-101 as quickly as possible.

THERANEXUS AND BBDF OBTAIN ORPHAN DRUG DESIGNATION (ODD) AND RARE PEDIATRIC DISEASE DESIGNATION (RPDD) FROM THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) FOR BBDF-101 FOR BATTEN DISEASE

  • Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) is a status that provides seven years of additional post-approval protection and exemption from filing fees
  • Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) qualifies the sponsor at the time of registration for a salable, transferable priority review voucher which can be used to speed up the approval process for another drug candidate

Lyon, August 28, 2020 – Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of neurological diseases, and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) today announced the decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to award Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) to the drug candidate BBDF-101 for Batten disease, a rare, fatal, genetic disorder of the nervous system for which there is no treatment.

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BBDF-101 Announcement

December 12, 2019
Research, News, Press Releases

We are excited to announce the following major milestone for BBDF! Theranexus, a publicly-traded European pharmaceutical company, has committed the $20 million and expertise necessary to complete the clinical trial and commercialization for our drug discovery, BBDF-101.

Theranexus and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) announce the signing of a worldwide exclusive license for Batten disease drug candidate BBDF-101
  • The agreement covers the development and marketing of the drug following a single clinical trial due to begin in 2020. 
  • If successful, this trial will lead directly to the drug’s approval.

Lyon, 12 December 2019 – 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, is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, granting it a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialize the drug candidate BBDF-101 for juvenile Batten disease.

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A Brother, A Sister and the Search for a Deadly Disease’s Cure

November 2, 2017
News, Press Releases, BE Project

 

Below is an article that was written at the beginning of October. It’s a great summary of Garland’s effort to help his sister, Christiane. At the time of the writing, Garland’s fundraising total was about $90,000 and we are excited to report that his total is now over $151,000!

 

Garland Benson, a freckled-face 12-year-old with a winning smile, is on a mission – one that’s very personal, but could have far-reaching implications.

He just needs a little help from 100,000 friends and strangers.

Here’s why: Garland’s 15-year-old sister, Christiane, has juvenile Batten disease, a rare, fatal, inherited neurological disorder. It’s the same disease that was responsible for the July deaths of three siblings over the course of three days in Utah.

Children with the incurable disease suffer progressive vision loss, commonly followed within a couple of years by seizures and, as time passes, the loss of motor functions and speech. That’s followed by premature death, usually in the late teens or early 20s.

In 2008, the parents of Garland and Christiane, Craig and Charlotte Benson, formed the non-profit Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (www.beyondbatten.org) with the goal of helping find a cure. Through research funded by the foundation, progress is now being made on a treatment that, although not a cure, could slow down the disease’s progression, perhaps buying time for young people like Christiane.

The foundation is trying to raise $6 million that’s needed to help hurry that research along by getting it through an expensive validation and development process so that it can receive FDA approval for clinical trials.

Enter Garland, a boy with a big heart for his sister and an understanding that small gifts can add up to extraordinary amounts if the multiplication factor is large enough.

“I decided to raise $1 million of that $6 million on my own,” he says. “If I can get 100,000 people to give $10 each I’ll have $1 million. I think we can easily do that.”

With his goal clear, Garland confidently set out in March to achieve his objective – and do whatever he could for his sister and other young people who have the same disease.

Many donors have left heartfelt messages for him, such as: “Garland, you are the sweetest, best brother a girl could have.” “You inspire me to make a difference.” “Thank you for blessing your sister and so many others.”

Garland quickly found that his self-imposed undertaking wasn’t quite as easy as he hoped, but he has persevered and so far has raised about $90,000. His optimism isn’t faltering yet.

“I think it would be amazing if we find a cure,” Garland says.

Although Batten is genetic, and families can have more than one child with the disease, Garland does not have it. He’s not a carrier either, so he can’t pass it on to his children.

Despite the disease, Christiane is a cheerleader, has joined her family on ski trips and on horseback-riding adventures, and continues to be an inspiration for her younger brother.

“It’s really cool how she can do all that stuff and not be able to see,” Garland says. “But what I’d really like is for her to be able to lead a normal life like me.”

About Garland Benson

Garland Benson, 12, lives in Texas and is trying to raise $1 million to help fund research into juvenile Batten disease, which afflicts his sister, Christiane. The money is being raised through the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (www.beyondbatten.org), which was launched in 2008 by the parents of Garland and Christiane, Craig and Charlotte Benson. The foundation’s goal is to help eradicate the disease by raising awareness about Batten and helping to fund research that could eventually lead to a cure. Those who want to donate can text the word HERO to 501051 and $10 will be added to their next cell phone bill. Donations can also be made through Garland’s donor page on the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation’s website.

 

 

New York Stem Cell Foundation and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation Announce the Availability of Stem Cell Lines for Research

October 10, 2017
News, Press Releases

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) today announce the availability of a unique and comprehensive collection of juvenile Batten (CLN3) disease induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The two organizations partnered to develop this resource for scientists around the world. The collection is a key example of BBDF’s strategy to advance therapy development for Batten disease by creating and disseminating cutting-edge tools and other resources with game-changing potential.

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BBDF Welcomes Lauren Trice as Director of The Will Herndon Research Fund

January 25, 2017
News, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Missy Herndon
Founder, The Will Herndon Research Fund
hope@willherndon.org
713-557-0219

LAUREN TRICE NAMED DIRECTOR OF THE WILL HERNDON RESEARCH FUND AT BEYOND BATTEN DISEASE FOUNDATION

 

THE WOODLANDS (January 12, 2017) – Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) is pleased to announce its recent hire of Lauren Trice, who joins the team as the Director of The Will Herndon Research Fund. In this role, Trice will oversee the management, development, and operations for the fund.

“I am honored and humbled to serve during a critical time for the research of juvenile Batten disease,” says Trice. “I believe that with the continued support of our community, we will raise awareness and funds to accelerate the research for a treatment or cure.”

Trice, a resident of The Woodlands, comes to BBDF with experience in various marketing and public relations capacities since 2006. Most recently, she served as the Corporate Market Director for the American Heart Association (AHA) in Montgomery County. In this role, she was awarded the Rome Betts Award of Excellence, which is the most prestigious national staff award given by the AHA.

“Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and a mission-based focus to our organization that we feel confident will help us meet our ultimate goal to fund a life-saving treatment to save Will and the hundreds of other children affected with this disease,” said Missy Herndon, founder of The Will Herndon Research Fund. “Collaborative research efforts have led us to potentially one of the most promising treatments in the history of juvenile Batten disease. We are grateful to have Lauren leading the local efforts to help see this research come to fruition in Will’s lifetime.”

For more information on The Will Herndon Research Fund, visit www.willherndon.org or www.beyondbatten.org.

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ABOUT THE WILL HERNDON RESEARCH FUND

The Fund was established in 2009 by Missy and Wayne Herndon, in honor of their son Will, who was diagnosed with juvenile Batten disease at the age of 6.  This rare, fatal, genetic disease attacks an otherwise healthy child, beginning with vision loss, declining cognitive skills and seizures. Batten disease is fatal, most often by the late teens or early twenties. Our goal is to SAVE WILL, and the hundreds of other children stricken with juvenile Batten disease. We have HOPE, but we need your help in this race against time. To learn more or to get involved, call 832-610-5995, or visit willherndon.org. 

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 $16 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 that slows the progression of the disease in Batten models. The foundation has launched a 24 month $6 million campaign to advance the treatment to clinical trials. More information can be found at www.beyondbatten.org.

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