Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease originating from biallelic pathogenic variants in the ARSA gene, mainly affecting young children.
Lexeo Therapeutics Inc. produced more positive interim data from early stage studies of its gene therapy to treat Friedreich’s ataxia cardiomyopathy. The results have prompted the company to continue their ongoing dialogue with U.S. FDA regulators to finalize a registrational study protocol and launch that study by early 2026 with data the following year.
Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. is adding a much-needed $18 million up-front payment in a neurology-focused deal with Eli Lilly and Co. that could bring up to an additional $1.4 billion. In return, Lilly gets access to Sangamo’s neurotropic adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, STAC-BBB, which has shown early promise in penetrating the blood-brain barrier penetration, for one initial target with the right to add up to four more.
Spark Therapeutics Inc. has presented a proprietary adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing an artificial miRNA targeting human α-synuclein (α-Syn) mRNA. Accumulation of misfolded and insoluble α-Syn causes neuronal toxicity in preclinical models and has been identified as the underlying cause of synucleinopathies.
Variant SAS and the Rare Ocular Diseases Center at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (UCLV) have received positive feedback from the EMA for VAR-002, a recombinant AAV vector gene therapy targeting inherited retinal dystrophies linked to CRX mutations.
Epicrispr Biotechnologies Inc. has secured $68 million in the first close of its series B financing to support the clinical development of EPI-321, a first-in-class epigenetic therapy for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).
Hubble Therapeutics LLC has successfully closed a $7.3 million series A funding round to support progression of its lead candidate, HUB-101, into clinical trials.
Bladder cancers (BCs) that invade the muscle layer are classified as muscle-invasive bladder cancers (MIBCs). The MIBC subtype accounts for around 25% of all BC cases, with a significant proportion of patients presenting distant metastases.
Sineugene Therapeutics Co. Ltd. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for SNUG-01, a first-in-class tripartite motif protein 72 (TRIM72)-targeted gene therapy candidate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A phase I/IIa trial will evaluate SNUG-01 in adults with ALS.
Investigators from Insmed Inc. have presented new preclinical data on the efficacy of their adenoviral vector (AAV9)-based gene therapy INS-1201 for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).