Table of Contents
- What is CPK850?
- Target Condition: Retinitis Pigmentosa due to RLBP1 Gene Mutations
- How CPK850 Works
- Clinical Trial Details
- Eligibility Criteria
- Safety and Efficacy Measures
- Potential Benefits
What is CPK850?
CPK850 is an innovative gene therapy being developed to treat a specific type of retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited eye disorder that causes vision loss. This therapy is currently being studied in clinical trials to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.[1]
CPK850 is classified as an advanced therapy medicinal product, specifically a gene therapy. It uses a replication-deficient recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to deliver genetic material to the eye. This vector carries a gene called hRLBP1, which is important for normal vision.[1]
Target Condition: Retinitis Pigmentosa due to RLBP1 Gene Mutations
CPK850 is designed to treat retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in the RLBP1 gene. This condition is also known by other names, including:[1]
- Bothnia dystrophy
- Newfoundland rod-cone dystrophy
These conditions are characterized by progressive vision loss due to the degeneration of light-sensitive cells in the retina (the back part of the eye). Patients with this condition often experience difficulty seeing in low light (night blindness) and a gradual loss of peripheral vision.
How CPK850 Works
CPK850 is administered through a subretinal injection, which means it’s injected directly under the retina of the eye. The therapy aims to deliver a functioning copy of the RLBP1 gene to the cells in the retina.[1]
By providing a correct version of the gene, CPK850 may help the eye produce the necessary proteins for normal visual function. This could potentially slow down or stop the progression of vision loss in patients with this form of retinitis pigmentosa.
Clinical Trial Details
The ongoing clinical trial for CPK850 is an open-label, first-in-human study. This means it’s the first time this therapy is being tested in humans, and both the researchers and participants know which treatment is being given.[1]
Key aspects of the trial include:
- It’s a Phase 1-2 trial, designed to assess both safety and initial signs of effectiveness.
- The study uses a single ascending dose approach, meaning different groups of patients may receive increasing doses of the therapy to find the optimal amount.
- Patients will receive a single dose of CPK850 in one eye, allowing comparisons between the treated and untreated eyes.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the CPK850 trial, patients must meet certain criteria, including:[1]
- Age between 18 and 70 years
- Confirmed diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa with mutations in the RLBP1 gene
- Specific levels of visual acuity (a measure of how well you can see)
- Presence of certain retinal structures as seen on imaging tests
There are also several factors that may exclude a person from participating, such as certain eye conditions, active infections, or other health issues that could interfere with the treatment or its evaluation.
Safety and Efficacy Measures
The trial will closely monitor participants for any side effects or adverse events related to the treatment. Additionally, researchers will assess various measures of visual function to determine if the therapy is working. These include:[1]
- Dark adaptation: How well the eye adjusts to low light conditions
- Visual acuity: The clarity or sharpness of vision
- Visual field: The entire area that can be seen without moving the eyes
- Contrast sensitivity: The ability to distinguish between finer and finer increments of light versus dark
- Reading speed
- Mobility tests: Assessing how well patients can navigate in different environments
Potential Benefits
While it’s important to note that CPK850 is still in the experimental stage, the therapy aims to potentially:[1]
- Improve rod and cone function in the retina, which are essential for vision in different light conditions
- Enhance overall visual function, including visual acuity and field of vision
- Improve patients’ ability to perform daily activities and navigate their environment
- Ultimately, slow down or stop the progression of vision loss in patients with this form of retinitis pigmentosa
As with any experimental treatment, the actual benefits and risks of CPK850 will become clearer as the clinical trial progresses and more data is collected.



