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Science
Mechanism of Action:
Tralesinidase alfa is an enzyme replacement therapy designed to address deficiencies in the enzyme alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU), which is critical in the breakdown of heparan sulfate. Patients with Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B, also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB, have a deficiency in this enzyme, leading to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as heparan sulfate, which causes cellular and tissue damage.
Tralesinidase alfa is a recombinant form of the NAGLU enzyme fused with an insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) tag. The IGF2 tag facilitates transport across the blood-brain barrier and enhances cellular uptake, addressing both peripheral and central nervous system manifestations of the disease. The fusion protein is administered via intracerebroventricular infusion to effectively deliver the enzyme directly to the brain, as indicated by the pharmacokinetics and CNS distribution studies in juvenile cynomolgus monkeys (PMID: 36923444).
Once inside the cells, tralesinidase alfa localizes to lysosomes, where it catalyzes the breakdown of accumulated heparan sulfate. This activity reduces the pathological storage of GAGs, aiming to prevent or mitigate neurological and systemic disease manifestations, as demonstrated in both animal models and early-phase human trials (PMIDs: 35717448, 36413418).
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical guidance.