Benitec Biopharma Reports Positive Results from BB-301 Phase 1b/2a Clinical Trial
HAYWARD, Calif., Jan. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benitec Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: BNTC) has announced significant advancements in the Phase 1b/2a clinical study of BB-301, a novel gene therapy aimed at treating dysphagia in patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). The results demonstrate long-lasting efficacy, with patients showing marked improvements in swallowing conditions over a 24-month follow-up period.
Key Findings from the Study
The latest interim results from Cohort 1 of the BB-301 clinical trial highlight the following:
- Patient 1 has completed the 24-month follow-up, exhibiting ongoing disease-modifying effects, including reduced post-swallow residue and diminished dysphagic symptoms.
- All four patients in Cohort 1 successfully concluded the 12-month statistical follow-up, with each participant categorized as a formal responder to BB-301.
- Durability of response in these patients was confirmed, showing improvements over time across multiple evaluation parameters.
Significant Clinical Improvements
Patient 1's progress was specifically assessed using videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) and the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ). Notably:
- At the 24-month follow-up, Patient 1 achieved a 60% reduction in post-swallow residue as per the Normalized Residue Ratio Scale-Valleculae (NRRSv).
- A stable 27% improvement in the pharyngeal area at maximum constriction (PhAMPC) has also been maintained, indicating sustained functionality in the swallowing process.
- The total dysphagic symptom burden measured by the SSQ revealed a dramatic decline, with a 78% improvement noted at the 24-month assessment compared to pre-treatment levels.
Executive Insights
Dr. Jerel A. Banks, Executive Chairman and CEO of Benitec Biopharma, expressed enthusiasm regarding the results, stating, “Progressive dysphagia is the most severe, life-threatening complication of OPMD, and we are extremely excited to observe safe, durable, disease-modifying outcomes for the patients treated with BB-301.” He further emphasized the potential impact on patients' lives and the company's commitment to advancing BB-301 through regulatory processes, looking forward to discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in mid-2026.
Implications for Future Research
The results from this study provide a strong basis for further clinical development of BB-301, as Benitec Biopharma aims to refine its pivotal study design. As the clinical team prepares to present ongoing findings at upcoming medical conferences, the feedback from these discussions is expected to enhance the understanding of BB-301’s effectiveness.
About Benitec Biopharma
Benitec Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: BNTC) is at the forefront of biotechnology, focusing on gene therapy solutions that leverage its proprietary “Silence and Replace” DNA-directed RNA interference (ddRNAi) platform. The company's goal is to transform the treatment landscape for challenging conditions such as OPMD.