Zolgensma® (onasemnogene abeparvovec) is the first gene therapy product to obtain marketing authorization in 2019 in a neuromuscular disease, namely SMA.
While the beneficial effects of Zolgensma® on motor development are rapid and lasting, serious side effects affecting other organs or tissues have recently been published.
Analyzes of data from two series totalling over 300 patients with SMA treated with Zolgensma® reveal:
- a risk of hepatotoxicity, resulting in particular in an asymptomatic transient rise in transaminases in 90% of people treated,
- two cases of severe hepatic failure that occurred resolved on corticosteroids,
- at least three cases of thrombotic microangiopathy.
The authors of these articles confirm the value of prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids in reducing this hepatotoxicity, the elimination of all hepatotoxic substances and monitoring of the platelet count. In thrombotic microangiopathy, treatment of thrombocytopenia and renal impairment is symptomatic; it may call for plasma exchanges, dialysis, or even eculizumab-type monoclonal antibodies in the most severe cases.
