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.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) are severe monogenic blood disorders caused by mutations in the β-globin gene (HBB), resulting in abnormal or insufficient production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). Among emerging therapeutic approaches, the reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) represents one of the most promising strategies for both conditions.
An ongoing concern for scientists is that there will be across-the-board funding cuts. This is already happening in mRNA research, where reductions affected coronavirus-related projects. During the pandemic, efforts focused on this pathogen, and once the health emergency was over, grants for antivirals were eliminated. However, these drugs could stem future outbreaks. Despite the cuts, recent research continues to demonstrate the potential of mRNA, not only for the development of antivirals, but also for obtaining more effective and longer-lasting vaccines.
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