Phenylketonuria (PKU)

PKU Symptoms graphic

What is Phenylketonuria? 

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare, inherited metabolic disease, which affects the brain.¹ It is caused by a defect in the gene that helps create the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine.¹ If left untreated or poorly managed, phenylalanine – an essential amino acid found in all proteins and most foods – can build up to harmful levels in the body. This causes severe and irreversible disabilities, such as permanent intellectual disability, seizures, delayed development, memory loss, and behavioral and emotional problems.¹

Newborns with phenylketonuria initially don’t have any symptoms, but symptoms are usually progressive, and damage caused by toxic levels of phenylalanine in the first few years of life is irreversible.^2,3

Diagnosis of phenylketonuria usually takes place during newborn screening programs.⁴

How common is Phenylketonuria?  

There are an estimated 58,000 people with phenylketonuria globally. Males and females are equally likely to inherit the defective gene and develop phenylketonuria.

How is PTC Working to Treat Phenylketonuria? 

PTC is developing a potential treatment for phenylketonuria based on our metabolic platform. Sepiapterin is a more bioavailable precursor than exogenously administered synthetic BH4 and has the potential to treat the broad range of PKU patients. 

We know from our research that there is a large community of PKU patients that need more treatment options. We have also built incredible relationships within this community, including with patients and advocacy organizations. Helping this community is my mission and motivation, and my trust in science helps me stay focused and keeps pushing me forward.

Neil Smith Global PKU Project Leader for PTC