ABI-201 is an engineered AAV.N54 vector that expresses a soluble CD59 variant and a complement 3 (C3) inhibitor fusion protein. ABI-201 was developed by Avirmax Biopharma Inc. to confer photoreceptor protection against retinal damage. The effects of ABI-201 were tested in a sodium iodate-induced retinal damage model in nonhuman primates, a widely used model for testing therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Avirmax Biopharma Inc. has begun IND-enabling studies of ABI-201, a gene therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). ABI-201 is an AAV vector that delivers three genes to correct the dysregulation of complement activation, to protect retinal pigment epithelia and photoreceptors, as well as to block retinal neovascularization.
Avirmax Biopharma Inc. has received IND approval from the FDA to initiate a phase I/IIa trial for its gene therapy treatment targeting wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).