FDA approves Kresladi, a one-time gene therapy for leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD-I), developed by Rocket Pharmaceuticals. This marks the first gene therapy for this rare inherited immune disorder caused by mutations in the ITGB2 gene, addressing a critical unmet need in pediatric care.
The approval introduces a one-time gene therapy for LAD-I that restores immune function and addresses the underlying cause of a life-threatening pediatric disease. rare disease gene therapy and reinforces how regulatory flexibility and surrogate endpoints are accelerating the path to market for ultra-rare pediatric conditions.1 The decision highlights movement in the cell and gene therapy landscape toward · earlier intervention and scalable development strategies in diseases with high unmet need.2 · Developed by Cranbury, NJ-based Rocket Pharmaceuticals, marnetegragene autotemcel is the first gene therapy approved for LAD-I, a rare inherited immune disorder caused by mutations in the ITGB2 gene. The therapy received multiple expedited designations, including orphan drug, rare pediatric disease, regenerative medicine advanced therapy, and fast track, which highlight FDA’s willingness to accelerate development in high-need indications, the agency stated in a press release.1 · More broadly, the decision signals growing confidence in autologous gene therapies targeting hematologic and immunologic disorders. This autologous approach is designed to directly correct the genetic defect driving disease pathology, offering the potential for durable benefit after a one-time treatment. By restoring the function of key adhesion molecules required for immune cell trafficking, the therapy targets the root cause of immune dysfunction rather than managing downstream complications. Barrett D, Cannon PM, Mingozzi F, Porteus M, Rivière I, Flotte TR. Overcoming barriers to commercially pre-viable gene and cell therapies for rare and ultra-rare diseases. Mol. Ther. 2025;33(11):5316-5326.
Original title: “FDA Approval of Kresladi Expands Gene Therapy in Pediatric Rare Diseases | BioPharm International”