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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%.
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The Business Journals broke the news in Charlotte, United States on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
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