A Study of the Safety, Tolerability and Prelinminary Efficacy of BD111 in Herpes Simplex Virus Type I Stromal Keratitis

Herpes simplex keratitis is an infectious diseases of the cornea that is primarily caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1). The stromal type, also known as HSV-1 stromal keratitis (HSK), is characterized by recurrent or chronic inflammation attributed to residual virus-triggered antigen-antibody-complement cascade reactions. BD111 is a lentivirus-like particle that is an active drug substance delivering gRNA-expressing cassettes and SpCas9 mRNA.The mechanism of action (MOA) is based on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology.

This is a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation, Phase I trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK/PD profiles and preliminary efficacy of BD111 in patients with herpes simplex virus-1 stromal keratitis (HSK) in China. About 16 patients will be enrolled, dividing into open-label, four dose groups and one positive control (triple-drugs therapy) group. A rapid titration dose group combined with "3+3" dose escalation is designed for dose exploration.

Inclusion criteria

Participants must meet all of the following inclusion criteria to be enrolled in this study

• Aged 18 to 70 years old;
• Clinically diagnosed patients with recurrent herpes simplex virus type I stromal keratitis (HSK). Definition of recurrence: the patient had been diagnosed with HSK and received "local antiviral eye drugs and oral antiviral drugs + local glucocorticoid eye drops" for 3 weeks with successful clinical efficacy. Before enrollment, the clinical recurrence of HSK occurred again with symptoms including tearing, photophobia, pain, blurred vision and foreign body sensation, and signs as recurrence of active inflammatory lesions examined by slit lamp;
• HSV-1 nucleic acid test (qPCR method) positive;
• No use of other systemic antiviral drugs or corticosteroids within 48 hours before enrollment;
• No systemic immune diseases;
• Good eyelid structure and blinking function;
• Eye structure and function assessment showing potential for visual recovery;
• No retinal detachment;
• No history of corneal trauma;
• The best visual acuity in the fellow eye (BCVA) ≥ 38 (ETDRS);
• Fertile males or females must use highly effective contraceptive methods, such as, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, abstinence, or barrier contraception combined with spermicides, during the trial and continue contraception for 12 months after administration;
• Participants voluntarily join the study, sign an informed consent form, have good compliance, and cooperate with follow-up visits.

Exclusion criteria

Patients with any of the following conditions cannot be enrolled in this study

• Active ocular infection caused by other pathogens in the target eye or the fellow eye within 30 days before enrollment, including but not limited to infectious conjunctivitis, keratitis, scleritis, and endophthalmitis;
• Patients with bilateral viral keratitis
• Previous corneal transplant surgery in the study eye;
• Any medicine or food allergic history;
• Absence of tear film and blinking function;
• Severe dry eye disease;
• Ocular surface tumor;
• Glaucoma;
• Patients with systemic autoimmune diseases;
• Signs of systemic infection before enrollment, including fever and receiving antibiotic treatment (systemic infection in this trial is defined as abnormal values in white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in routine blood tests);
• Severe diseases in the major organs including but not limited to cardiovascular, lung, liver, kidney, or other uncontrolled diseases;
• HIV infection;
• Pregnant and lactating women (pregnancy in this trial is defined as a positive urine or blood pregnancy test);
• Participation in other drug or medical device clinical trials at present;
• Alcohol or drug abuse;
• Lack of compliance with the trial or the ability to sign an informed consent form;
• Other situations deemed unsuitable for participation in the trial by the investigator.