Judo Bio Inc. has announced preclinical data demonstrating that its megalin-STRIKER oligonucleotide therapeutics achieved robust and sustained, kidney cell-selective gene silencing in rodents and nonhuman primates (NHPs).
Some 1 million people around the world suffer severe neurological problems, such as epilepsy, motor impairment and cognitive dysfunction, because they express insufficient SynGAP1, a GTPase-activating protein that operates postsynaptically. Current therapies can mitigate symptoms but not cure the underlying disease. Researchers at the Allen Institute and collaborators have demonstrated a potential genetic cure for SynGAP1 deficiency.
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 1 (CLN1) disease, also known as infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative condition. CLN1 disease is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) due to biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme, leading to widespread neurological dysfunction and premature death.
When the levels of LDL cholesterol are elevated, there is increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Lowering these levels contributes to decreasing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. EDIT-401 is a CRISPR-based LDL cholesterol-lowering gene-editing approach developed by Editas Medicine Inc.
Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic, nondegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations affecting the expression of maternal UBE3A, which is expressed in neurons and is a key protein for neuronal morphology and correct synaptic functioning. The disease is characterized by intellectual disability, defects in movement and sleep disruption, among others.
While recent advances in gene therapy have offered unprecedented options for patients with hemophilia, new data presented at the 32nd Annual Congress of the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT), held in Seville Oct. 7-10, revealed persistent concerns regarding the durability of these treatments and their potential liver toxicity.
Cirrus Therapeutics Inc. has closed an $11 million seed financing to advance its pipeline of gene and cell therapies designed to preserve sight and extend ocular healthspan in patients with chronic blinding diseases.
The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to FRF-001, the FOXG1 Research Foundation’s lead gene therapy candidate for the treatment of FOXG1 syndrome. This follows the FDA’s earlier award of rare pediatric disease designation to the investigational therapy.