Gene Therapy for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes. This form of neuropathy carries a high risk of pain, trophic changes and autonomic dysfunction. Currently, there are no approved drugs or interventional strategies known to halt or reverse the progression of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Treatments target pain reduction, physical function improvement, reduction of psychological distress, and quality of life improvements. There is currently no effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy, and good glycemic control is the only way to minimize the risk of occurrence. Clearly, it would be desirable to prevent, impede, or reverse the disrupting and often life-threatening manifestations of peripheral neuropathy by stimulating growth or regeneration of peripheral nerve axons. The purpose of this open label, dose-escalation, 3-cohort study is to assess the safety and tolerability of injecting Engensis (VM202) in the leg muscle in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The study will also assess the potential of VM202 to reduce the pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.