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What Is MoCD Type A?

Molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD) Type A is a rare genetic disease (a specific kind, also called an inborn error of metabolism) that can appear shortly after birth.1,2 Children with MoCD Type A appear normal when born. But, within a few hours to a few days (sometimes longer), they often have trouble feeding and seizures that don't improve with treatment. These seizures are also called intractable seizures.3

Early diagnosis is critical—MoCD Type A is devastating and progresses rapidly.1,3,4

MoCD Type A is the result of a change in a gene called MOCS1. This change prevents the body from producing cyclic pyranopterin monophosphate (cPMP), and ultimately molybdenum cofactor (MoCo).1 This lack of MoCo is what leads to high sulfite and S-sulfocysteine (SSC) levels and, ultimately, brain damage and severe developmental delays in your child.1,3

Sulfite and SSC are substances that can be highly toxic when they build up in the body, especially in the brain.3 It is believed that too much buildup causes seizures, severe brain damage, and other features of MoCD.1,3

In a child with MoCD Type A1,3

In a child with MoCD Type A, a change in the MOCS1 gene prevents them from making MoCo. Lack of MoCo leads to a toxic buildup of sulfite and SSC, which lead to the seizures, severe brain damage and other features of MoCD.

Traditionally, care has been limited to managing the symptoms of the disease.4

MoCD Type A progresses rapidly.1,3,4 Children with MoCD Type A who survive beyond the first few months usually experience3:

  • Irreversible damage to the brain
  • Severe developmental delays
  • Brain abnormalities
  • Trouble learning to speak or sitting without help

There are 3 types of MoCD1:

  • Type A (the most common)
  • Type B
  • Type C

Unfortunately, the outlook is poor for all 3 types. Most children with MoCD survive just 3 years, those with MoCD Type A survive just 4 years without intervention.1,5

MoCD Type A progresses rapidly.1 That's why it's so important to diagnose it quickly.

Diagnosing any type of MoCD, including Type A, can be very challenging. This can be for many reasons.

  • Many MoCD symptoms are the same as those for other, more common conditions. Because of that, doctors are more likely to think it's something else. These conditions can be related to injury at birth, infections, or other, more common, situations6
  • The tests to figure out what's causing the symptoms may or may not include the specific ones needed to help confirm or rule out MoCD7

With MoCD, the most common symptom babies experience is intractable seizures. Other symptoms include1,8,9:

  • Brain damage/malfunction
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Exaggerated startle reactions
  • High-pitched cries
  • Increased/decreased muscle tone

If your child has any of these symptoms, don't forget to ask your doctor if they've ruled out MoCD.

Diagnosing MoCD Type A usually happens in 2 steps1:

  • Urine or blood test (also called a biochemical test); the results of this test, along with your child’s symptoms, are enough to confirm a diagnosis of MoCD1
  • However, a genetic test is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of MoCD Type A1,2
  • Urine tests
    If your child has a seizure, ask about a urine test to help rule out MoCD right away. It can check for high levels of sulfite or a substance called S-sulfocysteine (SSC).1 It is believed that high sulfite and SSC levels cause the seizures, severe brain damage, and other features of MoCD.1,3 The result of this test, along with your child’s symptoms, is enough to confirm a diagnosis of MoCD.
  • Genetic tests
    A genetic test identifies changes and mutations in genes. It is the only way to confirm which type of MoCD your child may have–Type A, Type B, or Type C.1 For MoCD Type A, it tests for mutations in the MOCS1 gene.1 Unfortunately, results for genetic tests can take weeks.10 So, it’s important that genetic testing isn't the only diagnostic tool used.

A fast diagnosis is very important with MoCD Type A. Talk to your healthcare provider right away about biochemical and genetic tests that can confirm a diagnosis.1

NULIBRY has been shown to improve survival for children with MoCD Type A.5 For the first time, children diagnosed with MoCD Type A have a fighting chance.

FDA=Food and Drug Administration.

References: 

  1. Mechler K et al. Genet Med. 2015;17(12):965-970.
  2. Veldman A et al. Pediatrics. 2010;125(5):e1249-e1254.
  3. National Institutes of Health. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/molybdenum-cofactor-deficiency. Accessed March 5, 2021.
  4. Durmaz MS et al. Radiol Case Rep. 2018;13(3):592-595.
  5. NULIBRY [prescribing information]. Boston, MA: Origin Biosciences, Inc.; February 2021.
  6. Panayiotopoulos CP. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2599/?report=printable. Accessed February 19, 2021.
  7. Baylor College of Medicine. https://www.bcm.edu/research/medical-genetics-labs/test_detail.cfm?testcode=4400. Accessed February 19, 2021.
  8. Schwahn BC et al. Lancet. 2015;386(10007):1955-1963.
  9. Hitzert MM et al. Pediatrics. 2012;130(4):e1005-e1010.
  10. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. https://www.chop.edu/treatments/genetic-testing. Accessed February 19, 2021.
What Is NULIBRY? >

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

NULIBRY is indicated to reduce the risk of mortality in patients with molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD) Type A.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Potential for Photosensitivity

NULIBRY can make the patient oversensitive to sunlight. NULIBRY-treated patients or their caregivers are advised to avoid or minimize patient exposure to sunlight and artificial UV light and adopt precautionary measures when exposed to the sun, including wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF in patients 6 months of age and older. If photosensitivity occurs, caregivers/patients are advised to seek medical attention immediately and consider a dermatological evaluation.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions in NULIBRY-treated patients were infusion catheter–related complications (89%), pyrexia (fever) (78%), viral infection (56%), pneumonia (44%), otitis media (ear infection) (44%), vomiting (44%), and cough/sneezing (44%). Adverse reactions for rcPMP-treated patients were similar to the NULIBRY-treated patients.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Please read the FDA-approved NULIBRY Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use and follow the instructions on how to prepare and administer NULIBRY.

NULIBRY has a potential for photosensitivity; see Warnings and Precautions. Seek medical attention immediately if the patient develops a rash or if they notice symptoms of photosensitivity reactions (redness, burning sensation of the skin, blisters).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.