FDA Approves First Gene Therapy for Pediatric Patients with Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A
The one-time gene therapy is the first approved treatment for the rare childhood disease and showed cognitive benefits in trials, the FDA said.
- On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical's gene therapy Fayuvi for pediatric patients with Sanfilippo syndrome Type A, a rare, fatal condition that progressively damages the brain and nervous system.
- Sanfilippo syndrome Type A stems from a sulfamidase enzyme deficiency, causing toxic heparan sulfate buildup that impairs cognitive and motor functions; Fayuvi delivers a functional SGSH gene via intravenous infusion to restore enzyme production.
- In clinical trials, treated children maintained or improved cognitive function compared to untreated patients; Eliza, treated in 2016 at age 6, has seen benefits like attending school and swimming, avoiding common disease outcomes.
- Glenn O'Neill, president of the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, said the approval offers "real hope and a real life-changing chance" for families; Cara O'Neill added that patients now receive an action plan instead of a terminal prognosis.
- Ultragenyx expects Fayuvi availability at specialized U.S. treatment centers within 30 to 60 days; after declining approval last year citing manufacturing concerns, the FDA authorized the therapy, boosting Ultragenyx shares by over 10%.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Virus To Deliver Working Gene: How Fayuvi Targets Rare Childhood Disease
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Fayuvi, a novel gene therapy developed by Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. designed to combat Sanfilippo syndrome type A, a devastating rare neurological disorder. A Devastating Childhood Disease Sanfilippo syndrome type A, also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type III A (MPS IIIA), is a progressive and fatal inherited metabolic disease. Children born with this condition lack the …
FDA Approves First Gene Therapy for Pediatric Patients with Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A
Silver Spring, Md., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Fayuvi (rebisufligene etisparvovec-hopf), the first treatment for pediatric patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA), also known as Sanfilippo syndrome type A., MPS…
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