Evaluation of Behavior, Executive Function, Neurotransmitter Function and Genomic Expression Kuvan Nonresponders

Study Summary

This observational study seeks to establish evidence: 1. that physiologic changes, unrelated to effect on the Phenylalanine Hydroxylase (PAH) enzyme, occur in Phenylketonuria (PKU) patients who are treated with sapropterin (Kuvan®) therapy, 2. that these changes may be caused by enhanced neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain or an upregulation of gene expression (increasing the ability of genes to produce functional enzymes), 3. and that beneficial changes in behavior and cognition, especially executive functioning skills may result. The objective of this study is to correlate any change in behavior and executive function skills of PKU patients who are non-responsive to sapropterin effect on the PAH enzyme, as defined by lowered blood PHE levels, with urine neurotransmitter levels and broad gene expression prior to and after sapropterin administration. Expected outcomes would include evidence of sapropterin effects on upregulation of enzymes other than PAH that control neurotransmitter synthesis, and any resulting correlation with behavioral and cognitive changes. The investigators hope this study will inform further detailed investigations into the biochemical and molecular actions of sapropterin (Kuvan®) that lead to increased understanding of possible treatment effects beyond a lowered blood PHE response.

Primary Outcome

This study seeks to establish evidence that behavioral changes, unrelated to blood phenylalanine levels, occur in PKU patients who are treated with Kuvan therapy, and that beneficial changes in behavior as measured by validated measurement questionnaires may result.

Interventions

• DRUG sapropterin dihydrochloride