Treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease with sTGFBR2

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a common heart valve disease in dogs where the heart valve becomes thickened as a dog ages, causing leakage at the valve that eventually leads to heart failure. The purpose of the study is to determine whether gene therapy to express transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (sTGFBR2) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can help delay the progression of this heart valve disease.

Inclusion Criteria

Client-owned dogs of either sex or neuter status with stage B2 MMVD will be recruited for this study. Stage B2 disease is defined as dogs with significant heart enlargement as a result of the mitral valve disease requiring treatment with heart medication but not yet in heart failure.

Participation is limited to those clients that can travel to Grafton, MA for all required visits.

Exclusion Criteria

Dogs with congenital heart diseases or other acquired heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Also excluded are dogs with significant systemic disorders including elevated liver or kidney values.  Dogs with neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers to AAV greater than 1:20 will also be excluded.

Client Benefits

After it has been determined that your dog qualifies for this study, the study will cover the costs for of this gene therapy, your dog’s recheck exams, bloodwork, echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Your pet’s participation will allow us to gain information regarding this type of gene therapy for the treatment of MMVD in dogs.

Sample or Data Requirements

If you decide to participate in this study, your dog will have physical examinations, ECG, and echocardiogram and bloodwork performed. The visit schedule is shown below: