Update from Genzyme on ASMD Clinical Trials

Update on Clinical Trial of Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) for Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD)

The National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation (NNPDF) has been staying in touch with representatives from Genzyme with regard to the status of Phase 2 of the Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) clinical trial for Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD) NPD Type B.

It seems there has been some confusion among members of the ASMD community; please note that we have contacted Genzyme and confirmed that the Phase 2 trial has not been cancelled and the Genzyme/Sanofi Company is committed to the ongoing support of our NPD Type A and B patients and families.

Genzyme has advised that they are still actively preparing for a Phase 2 clinical trial for enzyme replacement therapy in ASMD/NPD Type B. The trial is expected to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different doses of rhASM when administered once every two weeks.

The program remains a key priority for Sanofi. They are committed to the Niemann-Pick community and have provided the NNPDF with an update on the Genzyme-sponsored Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD) Clinical Trials.

To read the update from Genzyme, visit the NNPDF's NewsLine or Enzyme Replacement Therapy Type B page.  To learn more about Niemann-Pick Disease of all types, visit http://www.nnpdf.org/.

Kaitlyn Kay Bourgeault

Kaitlyn Kay Bourgeault (NPA)
7/1/09 - 3/22/12

With heavy hearts, we share the news that Kaitlyn Kay Bourgeault, the daughter of Deanna and Chip Bourgeault of Indian Trail, North Carolina, passed away due to the effects of Niemann-Pick Disease Type A (Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency or ASMD).

Kaitlyn and her family have touched and inspired so many with their strong faith and the support of their loving community, sharing their story and poignant photos through their family's blog, Kaitlyn's Korner.

For service information, visit the NNPDF's NewsLine page.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NNPDF in Kaitlyn's name.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Chip and Deanna, and all of Kaitlyn's family and many friends.

Edward H. Schuchman Research Fellowship - Request for Applications

The National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation is pleased to announce a request for applications for the 2012 Edward H. Schuchman Research Fellowship, examining the biology of Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD; i.e., Types A and B Niemann-Pick Disease).

M.D., Ph.D., and/or D.V.M. postdoctoral fellows are eligible to apply for funding to improve our understanding of the biology and pathogenesis of Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD; i.e., Types A and B Niemann-Pick Disease).

Preference will be given to research projects developing new therapies for ASMD, and for identifying biomarkers to improve diagnosis or to monitor disease progression and efficacy in clinical trials.

The fellowship provides support of $40,000 per annum for two years and may be renewable based on performance. Applicants must be currently associated with a recognized laboratory.

These fellowships are named for Edward H. Schuchman, Ph.D. a pioneer in ASMD research, and supporter of the NNPDF.

Applications are due May 1, 2012, and the fellowship will begin September 1, 2012. Visit the NNPDF's Web site for more information and application procedures.

11-11-11 Challenge Great Success! Contest Winners Announced

The NNPDF's 11-11-11 Challenge was a resounding success, raising awareness of Niemann-Pick Disease of all types, bringing in over $20,000 in funds dedicated to essential NPD research!

The NNPDF's Board of Directors extends sincere thanks to the 35+ families who took on the 11-11-11 Challenge, asking their friends, families, neighbors and co-workers to each donate $11 to the cause.

We were amazed and grateful for the creativity and perseverance shown by our families and other supporters during the Challenge -- awareness videos, photo collages, Facebook pages, blogs, personal letters, face-to-face appeals, etc., all added up to the tremendous success of this group effort!

We also want to thank the hundreds of donors who each gave $11 and the many who gave larger amounts to help advance our Quest for a Cure!

The Bourgeault family of Charlotte, North Carolina, was the top fundraiser for Niemann-Pick Disease due to ASMD (Types A and B), conducting their challenge in honor of little Kaitlyn Bourgeault (NPA). Meghan Roberts of Massachusetts was the top fundraiser for Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC), raising funds in memory of her cousin, Erin Roberts (NPC). Each winner will receive a $100 gift card to a national retailer.

More about the NNPDF's 11-11-11 Challenge

Update from Genzyme on Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD) Clinical Trials

A note from Genzyme - January 2011:

Genzyme is continuing efforts to develop recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (rhASM) for the potential treatment of the non-neurological manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD, also known as Niemann-Pick disease Types A and B). After completing the Phase 1 clinical trial in 2009, we engaged regulatory authorities in discussion about plans for a Phase 2 clinical trial and conducted additional preclinical research in 2010. This regulatory dialogue is ongoing. We remain committed to the development of a therapy for ASMD and will keep the community informed once our regulatory discussions are complete and we can confirm a start date for the Phase 2 clinical trial for Niemann-Pick B patients.

We are pleased to note that an abstract from the Phase 1 clinical trial was selected for a podium presentation by Dr. Margaret McGovern at the 7th annual lysosomal disease network's WORLD conference, to be held in Las Vegas, February 16-18, 2011.

Genzyme Corporation
500 Kendall Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
www.genzyme.com


(To learn more about Niemann-Pick Disease, visit www.nnpdf.org. To learn more about these clinical trials, please visit the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation's Enzyme Replacement Therapy page.)