Rat and cynomolgus monkey (monkey only pharmacologically active; rat for off-target/class tox); rabbit EFD
“The general toxicity of vutrisiran was tested in GLP-compliant subcutaneous (SC) toxicity studies in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat (13-week, 6-month) and cynomolgus monkey (13-week, 9-month).”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 2Source ↗
Why that species
TTR mRNA binding region fully homologous in human and cynomolgus, not in rodent or rabbit
“There is complete homology between human and cynomolgus monkey, but not rodent (mouse, rat) or rabbit, TTR mRNA binding regions. Therefore, vutrisiran is pharmacologically active only in monkey.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 2Source ↗
Surrogate molecule
Yes: rodent surrogate GalNAc-siRNA AD-59206 in rat fertility/DART to assess TTR, vitamin A, thyroxine reduction
“Reductions in serum TTR, Vitamin A, and thyroxine following administration of AD-59206 (a rodent surrogate GalNAc-siRNA; 30 mg/kg/week for 3 doses SC prior to mating, then on GD 6, 12, and 17) were not associated with any adverse effects.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 63Source ↗