Circio Holding ASA and Neoregen Biotech have commenced a research collaboration on novel circular RNA (circRNA) therapeutics based on Circio’s proprietary Circvec technology. The technology is composed of a modular genetic cassette design for efficient biogenesis of multifunctional circRNAs that can be adapted and applied to multiple purposes.

The ALDH2 gene encodes mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), a major acetaldehyde-metabolizing enzyme. Approximately 36% of East Asians (around 560 million people) carry an inactivating E504K missense mutation of the ALDH2 gene, which reduces ALDH2 enzymatic activity. This inactivating mutation has been correlated with several diseases and is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, body mass index and serum lipids in East Asians.

Researchers from Immunophage Biomedical Co. Ltd. have published details on the discovery and preclinical evaluation of a new CD38 inhibitor being developed for the treatment of mitochondrial myopathy.