Atsena Reports LIGHTHOUSE data at ARVO

Atsena Therapeutics announced positive clinical data results from Part A of the LIGHTHOUSE study, a phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating subretinal injection of ATSN-201 for the treatment of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS). The data were presented at the 2025 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

May 1, 2025
3 min

Retinal Physician

Overview

Atsena Therapeutics presented positive results from Part A of the LIGHTHOUSE trial, a phase 1/2 study evaluating subretinal injection of ATSN-201, demonstrating the safety and tolerability of the gene therapy in patients with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS). The therapy showed no serious adverse events related to treatment and is advancing to Part B of the study.

Background

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a genetic retinal disorder primarily affecting males, caused by mutations in the RS1 gene, with no approved disease-modifying therapies currently available. The LIGHTHOUSE trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ATSN-201, a novel gene therapy utilizing a spreading capsid for targeted delivery to the retina. This research is crucial as it may provide a new treatment option for a condition that significantly impacts vision and quality of life.

Data Highlights

Parameter	Results
Patients Treated	9
Serious Adverse Events	0 related to ATSN-201; 1 unrelated (fever of unknown origin)
Adverse Events Severity	Grade 1-2
Enrollment for Part B	Ongoing

Key Findings

ATSN-201 was well tolerated in all 9 patients with XLRS in Part A of the trial.
No serious adverse events related to the treatment were reported, although one unrelated serious adverse event occurred.
Majority of adverse events were related to the surgical procedure and were of Grade 1-2 severity.
No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and no subjects discontinued from the study.
Part B of the study will include additional adult and pediatric patients to further evaluate safety and efficacy.

Clinical Implications

The findings from the LIGHTHOUSE trial suggest that ATSN-201 may be a promising therapeutic option for patients with XLRS, with a favorable safety profile. Clinicians should consider the potential of gene therapy in managing this condition as further data becomes available from ongoing trials, including pediatric dosing.

Conclusion

The LIGHTHOUSE trial's initial results indicate that ATSN-201 is a well-tolerated gene therapy for XLRS, paving the way for further investigation in a larger cohort. Continued monitoring of safety and efficacy in subsequent trial phases is essential.