Beacon Therapeutics announced that it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1/2 LANDSCAPE clinical trial evaluating laru-zova (BEACON-101)—an investigational gene therapy designed to treat X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) caused by RPGR mutations. The study marks a key milestone as the first patient receives treatment under the open-label, dose-escalation protocol.
The LANDSCAPE trial is enrolling adult participants with genetically confirmed XLRP in its initial cohorts. Laru-zova is delivered via a single subretinal injection with the goal of introducing a functional copy of the RPGR gene into retinal cells affected by the disease. The trial’s primary focus is to assess safety and tolerability, with secondary measures including retinal structure and function outcomes over time. Beacon said that early clinical observations will inform dose selection and advancement into later stages of development.
Beacon explained that XLRP is a progressive inherited retinal disorder that leads to photoreceptor degeneration, tunnel vision and eventual substantial vision loss. RPGR mutations are among the most common causes of X-linked forms, and there are currently limited treatment options available. The company’s gene therapy is designed to address the underlying genetic defect rather than only managing symptoms.
The LANDSCAPE study’s design includes multiple dose cohorts, and participants will be monitored for adverse events, immune responses and changes in visual acuity, visual fields and imaging biomarkers of retinal health. Beacon asserted that dosing the first patient represents a significant step toward generating pivotal data on laru-zova’s potential to slow or prevent vision loss in XLRP—a condition that predominantly affects males due to its X-linked inheritance.
Beacon said additional clinical sites are being activated to support ongoing enrolment and that initial safety data from the first cohort are expected in the coming year. The company emphasised its commitment to advancing genetic medicines for inherited retinal diseases and building evidence that could support future regulatory submissions.
