TLDR:
- Sangamo (NASDAQ: SGMO) gains FDA Fast Track for ST-503 to treat SFN pain.
- FDA Fast Track speeds ST-503’s development for chronic pain from SFN.
- Sangamo (NASDAQ: SGMO) expects first patient dosing for ST-503 in SFN study.
- ST-503 receives FDA Fast Track, advancing Sangamo’s SFN pain treatment efforts.
Sangamo Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SGMO) announced that its investigational drug, ST-503, received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. FDA. The designation is for the treatment of intractable pain caused by small fiber neuropathy (SFN). The FDA’s decision comes as Sangamo aims to expedite the development of this novel therapy, which is currently in a Phase 1/2 study. As of the latest market close, Sangamo’s stock is priced at $0.4446, reflecting the company’s progress in this critical clinical stage.
Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., SGMO
FDA Fast Track Designation to Accelerate Development
ST-503 is an epigenetic regulator designed to treat chronic neuropathic pain. With the FDA granting Fast Track Designation, Sangamo now has the opportunity for more frequent regulatory interactions. This designation may also allow the company to apply for Accelerated Approval or Priority Review if certain criteria are met. These pathways could significantly shorten the development timeline for ST-503, which could be pivotal in addressing the unmet medical needs of SFN patients.
The Fast Track process gives Sangamo a clearer path for regulatory engagement. This could lead to faster decisions and potentially reduce the time to pivotal trials. However, while the Fast Track status supports expedited review, approval is not guaranteed. The success of ST-503 will depend on the forthcoming human trial data, particularly the safety and efficacy results from the Phase 1/2 STAND study.
Phase 1/2 Study Underway with First Dosing Expected Soon
Sangamo is actively recruiting patients for the STAND study, a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of ST-503. The study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and early efficacy of ST-503 in patients with SFN who have not responded to first-line treatments. The company expects to dose the first patient in the coming months, marking a key milestone for the study. The STAND study will help determine how well ST-503 can address the chronic pain associated with SFN.
In preclinical studies, ST-503 demonstrated durability, potency, and selectivity, as well as a favorable safety profile in nonhuman primates. These nonclinical findings provide support for the ongoing clinical investigation. Sangamo will monitor the patient safety data and any early efficacy signals to guide further regulatory decisions.
Small Fiber Neuropathy and the Need for Effective Treatments
Small fiber neuropathy is a painful condition that impacts the small nerve fibers responsible for sensation and autonomic functions. Patients with SFN experience burning, stabbing, and lightning-like pain, along with other debilitating symptoms. The condition is difficult to treat, and existing therapies provide limited long-term relief. SFN affects approximately 53 people out of every 100,000 in the U.S., with millions more impacted worldwide by various forms of neuropathy.
Current treatments, including opioids and anticonvulsants, fail to address the root causes of SFN and often come with significant side effects. There is a high unmet need for safe, effective, and non-opioid treatments for SFN patients. With Fast Track Designation, Sangamo hopes to bring ST-503 to market as a potential breakthrough therapy, offering a more targeted approach to managing chronic neuropathic pain.


