Hypophosphatasia – A preclinical perspective of its pathophysiology and treatment

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José Luis Millán

Abstract

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene, which encodes tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), an enzyme essential for physiological skeletal and dental mineralization. Disease severity ranges from life-threatening perinatal and infantile forms to milder late-onset forms manifesting in adulthood or affecting only dentition.


Enzyme replacement therapy based on recombinant mineral-targeted alkaline phosphatase (asfotase alfa) has been approved for the treatment of pediatric-onset HPP and has significantly improved survival and skeletal outcomes.


This narrative review summarizes the pathophysiology of hypophosphatasia and discusses advances in preclinical research, including gene therapy approaches, small-molecule inhibitors, and cell-based therapeutic strategies evaluated in experimental models.

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Narrative Review