Login
Related Links
UK biotech AlveoGene launches with plans for inhaled gene therapy
Posted on: 16 September 2023, source: BiopharmaDive
The company aims to capitalize on research by the Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, and is working first on a treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The unusual approach could be a way to more reliably deliver gene therapies directly to the epithelial cells of the lungs. The company said preclinical research suggests its technology — dubbed InGenuiTy — could work with high efficiency and long-lasting effects. AlveoGene aims to bring its first candidate, a treatment for patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or AATD, into clinical testing over the next two to three years. The company said it will also look to combine its platform with other technologies to target additional diseases such as lung surfactant deficiencies and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
The company aims to capitalize on research by the Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, and is working first on a treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The unusual approach could be a way to more reliably deliver gene therapies directly to the epithelial cells of the lungs. The company said preclinical research suggests its technology — dubbed InGenuiTy — could work with high efficiency and long-lasting effects. AlveoGene aims to bring its first candidate, a treatment for patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or AATD, into clinical testing over the next two to three years. The company said it will also look to combine its platform with other technologies to target additional diseases such as lung surfactant deficiencies and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Gene Therapy Targets Chronic Pain
Posted on: 28 August 2023, source: Medgadget
Scientists at New York University have developed a gene therapy for chronic pain. The technology works by targeting the NaV1.7 sodium ion channel present on neurons, which is an important component of the pain response. The researchers encoded a version of a peptide that allows a modulatory protein, called CRMP2, to bind to NaV1.7 sodium ion channels and modulate their activity. Treating neurons so that they now express this peptide interfered with the ability of CRMP2 to affect the sodium channel, reducing the transmission of pain. As chronic pain affects a large number of patients, new treatments such as this could be set to make a real difference in many lives.
Scientists at New York University have developed a gene therapy for chronic pain. The technology works by targeting the NaV1.7 sodium ion channel present on neurons, which is an important component of the pain response. The researchers encoded a version of a peptide that allows a modulatory protein, called CRMP2, to bind to NaV1.7 sodium ion channels and modulate their activity. Treating neurons so that they now express this peptide interfered with the ability of CRMP2 to affect the sodium channel, reducing the transmission of pain. As chronic pain affects a large number of patients, new treatments such as this could be set to make a real difference in many lives.
Gene therapy eyedrops restored a boy's sight. Similar treatments could help millions
Posted on: 26 July 2023, source: Albuquerque Journal
Dr. Alfonso Sabater pulled up two photos of Antonio Vento Carvajal’s eyes. One showed cloudy scars covering both eyeballs. The other, taken after months of gene therapy given through eyedrops, revealed no scarring on either eye. Antonio, who's been legally blind for much of his 14 years, can see again. The teen was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes blisters all over his body and in his eyes. But his skin improved when he joined a clinical trial to test the world’s first topical gene therapy. That gave Sabater an idea: What if it could be adapted for Antonio's eyes?
Dr. Alfonso Sabater pulled up two photos of Antonio Vento Carvajal’s eyes. One showed cloudy scars covering both eyeballs. The other, taken after months of gene therapy given through eyedrops, revealed no scarring on either eye. Antonio, who's been legally blind for much of his 14 years, can see again. The teen was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes blisters all over his body and in his eyes. But his skin improved when he joined a clinical trial to test the world’s first topical gene therapy. That gave Sabater an idea: What if it could be adapted for Antonio's eyes?
Gene therapy approved by FDA for certain boys with rare genetic condition
Posted on: 10 July 2023, source: NBC Chicago
A new gene therapy treatment gained FDA approval last month to treat boys ages four and five with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and deadly genetic disorder that leads to muscle degeneration. Connor Stoll from Chicago was the first patient in the nation to receive the infusion as part of a clinical trial at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in January 2018.
A new gene therapy treatment gained FDA approval last month to treat boys ages four and five with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and deadly genetic disorder that leads to muscle degeneration. Connor Stoll from Chicago was the first patient in the nation to receive the infusion as part of a clinical trial at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in January 2018.
FDA Needs More Cell, Gene Therapy Mid Managers to Speed Reviews
Posted on: 8 June 2023, source: BloombergLaw
The FDA is struggling to hire mid-level managers in cell and gene therapies as the agency looks to fill more than 100 slots in this burgeoning field and remedy slow responses to drugmakers.
The FDA is struggling to hire mid-level managers in cell and gene therapies as the agency looks to fill more than 100 slots in this burgeoning field and remedy slow responses to drugmakers.
Biology Professor Venigalla Rao Makes Breakthrough on Gene Therapy Research
Posted on: 31 May 2023, source: Catholic University
A new gene therapy technology being developed on campus could open the doors to healing and curing a variety of ailments, according to new research by Biology Professor Venigalla Rao published May 30 in the international scientific journal Nature Communications. Rao is the founding director of The Catholic University of America’s Bacteriophage Medical Research Center devoted to researching the therapeutic potential of a type of virus called bacteriophage T4 that grows on E.coli bacteria that cannot infect humans and many of which are part of a healthy body’s microbiome.
A new gene therapy technology being developed on campus could open the doors to healing and curing a variety of ailments, according to new research by Biology Professor Venigalla Rao published May 30 in the international scientific journal Nature Communications. Rao is the founding director of The Catholic University of America’s Bacteriophage Medical Research Center devoted to researching the therapeutic potential of a type of virus called bacteriophage T4 that grows on E.coli bacteria that cannot infect humans and many of which are part of a healthy body’s microbiome.
Multisystemic Smooth Muscle Dysfunction Syndrome (MSMDS)
Posted on: 2 May 2023, source: MSMDS community
Multisystemic Smooth Muscle Dysfunction Syndrome (MSMDS) is an ultra rare disease caused by a mutation in the gene ACTA2 that results in a malfunction of the smooth muscle cells in the whole body. Fixed and congenital dilated pupils, patent ductus arteriosus/aorto pulmonary window and other complications related to the bladder, lungs and guts, are the common manifestations of this mutation with only 60 diagnosed people in the world, most of them children. Join the 2023 MSMDS Conference taking place May 5-7 in Boston and online.
Multisystemic Smooth Muscle Dysfunction Syndrome (MSMDS) is an ultra rare disease caused by a mutation in the gene ACTA2 that results in a malfunction of the smooth muscle cells in the whole body. Fixed and congenital dilated pupils, patent ductus arteriosus/aorto pulmonary window and other complications related to the bladder, lungs and guts, are the common manifestations of this mutation with only 60 diagnosed people in the world, most of them children. Join the 2023 MSMDS Conference taking place May 5-7 in Boston and online.
Bacterial ‘Nanosyringe’ Could Deliver Gene Therapy to Human Cells
Posted on: 1 April 2023, source: Scientific American
This novel injection system could help advance gene therapy by nimbly inserting gene-editing enzymes into a variety of cell types. Inside the gut of a caterpillar lives a worm, and inside the worm lurks a bioluminescent bacterium named Photorhabdus asymbiotica, which makes the caterpillar glow in the dark. But this nesting-doll-like setup has another, more harmful effect: the bacteria secrete a deadly molecular syringe, 100 nanometers long, that latches onto the insect’s cells. Once attached to a cell, the syringe pushes a molecular spear through the cell’s membrane that releases a toxic payload. As its insect host dies and decomposes, the bacteria escape to colonize their next victim.
This novel injection system could help advance gene therapy by nimbly inserting gene-editing enzymes into a variety of cell types. Inside the gut of a caterpillar lives a worm, and inside the worm lurks a bioluminescent bacterium named Photorhabdus asymbiotica, which makes the caterpillar glow in the dark. But this nesting-doll-like setup has another, more harmful effect: the bacteria secrete a deadly molecular syringe, 100 nanometers long, that latches onto the insect’s cells. Once attached to a cell, the syringe pushes a molecular spear through the cell’s membrane that releases a toxic payload. As its insect host dies and decomposes, the bacteria escape to colonize their next victim.
EU approves Hemgenix, one-time gene therapy for hemophilia B
Posted on: 7 March 2023, source: Hemophilia News Today
The European Commission has conditionally approved Hemgenix (etranacogene dezaparvovec), a one-time gene therapy to treat adults with hemophilia B. Hemgenix, originally developed by uniQure, is approved for adults with severe and moderately severe hemophilia B without a history of inhibitors. It’s the first gene therapy for hemophilia B available to patients across all European Union member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
The European Commission has conditionally approved Hemgenix (etranacogene dezaparvovec), a one-time gene therapy to treat adults with hemophilia B. Hemgenix, originally developed by uniQure, is approved for adults with severe and moderately severe hemophilia B without a history of inhibitors. It’s the first gene therapy for hemophilia B available to patients across all European Union member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
FDA officials offer advice on gene therapy trials
Posted on: 9 February 2023, source: Regulatory News
Officials from the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies (OTAT) asserted that the duration of clinical trials for gene therapies depends on the nature of the disease being treated, and that diseases that are more progressive and have a rapid onset may involve shorter trials. This was one of the learnings imparted by officials during a 7 February virtual town hall meeting to answer stakeholder questions on the clinical development of gene therapies for rare diseases outside the hematology and oncology space. The town hall is part of a series to address questions from stakeholders on topics under OTAT’s remit.
Officials from the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies (OTAT) asserted that the duration of clinical trials for gene therapies depends on the nature of the disease being treated, and that diseases that are more progressive and have a rapid onset may involve shorter trials. This was one of the learnings imparted by officials during a 7 February virtual town hall meeting to answer stakeholder questions on the clinical development of gene therapies for rare diseases outside the hematology and oncology space. The town hall is part of a series to address questions from stakeholders on topics under OTAT’s remit.
New gene therapy delivers treatment directly to brain
Posted on: 26 January 2023, source: PBS.org
When Rylae-Ann Poulin was a year old, she didn’t crawl or babble like other kids her age. A rare genetic disorder kept her from even lifting her head. Her parents took turns holding her upright at night just so she could breathe comfortably and sleep. Then, months later. doctors delivered gene therapy directly to her brain. Now the 4-year-old is walking, running, swimming, reading and riding horses — “just doing so many amazing things that doctors once said were impossible,” said her mother, Judy Wei.
When Rylae-Ann Poulin was a year old, she didn’t crawl or babble like other kids her age. A rare genetic disorder kept her from even lifting her head. Her parents took turns holding her upright at night just so she could breathe comfortably and sleep. Then, months later. doctors delivered gene therapy directly to her brain. Now the 4-year-old is walking, running, swimming, reading and riding horses — “just doing so many amazing things that doctors once said were impossible,” said her mother, Judy Wei.
FDA approves Ferring’s Adstiladrin as first gene therapy for bladder cancer
Posted on: 23 December 2022, source: FDA
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ferring Pharma’s Adstiladrin (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) as the first gene therapy for the treatment of adult patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The novel adenovirus vector-based gene therapy is specifically indicated for patients with high-risk Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive NMIBC with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumours and is to be administered into the patient's bladder once every three months. The FDA based its decision on a phase 3 multicentre clinical study in 157 patients with high-risk BCG-unresponsive NMIBC, 98 of whom had BCG-unresponsive CIS with or without papillary tumours and could be evaluated for response.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ferring Pharma’s Adstiladrin (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) as the first gene therapy for the treatment of adult patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The novel adenovirus vector-based gene therapy is specifically indicated for patients with high-risk Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive NMIBC with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumours and is to be administered into the patient's bladder once every three months. The FDA based its decision on a phase 3 multicentre clinical study in 157 patients with high-risk BCG-unresponsive NMIBC, 98 of whom had BCG-unresponsive CIS with or without papillary tumours and could be evaluated for response.
FDA Approves First Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B
Posted on: 29 November 2022, source: FDA
The FDA has approved etranacogene dezaparvovec for the treatment of adults with Hemophilia B who are currently using Factor IX prophylaxis therapy, have a history of life-threatening hemorrhaging, or have serious spontaneous bleeding episodes. The adeno-associated virus vector-based therapy is the first-of-its-kind for the treatment of Hemophilia B. “Gene therapy for hemophilia has been on the horizon for more than two decades,” Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a press release. “Despite advancements in the treatment of hemophilia, the prevention and treatment of bleeding episodes can adversely impact individuals’ quality of life.”
The FDA has approved etranacogene dezaparvovec for the treatment of adults with Hemophilia B who are currently using Factor IX prophylaxis therapy, have a history of life-threatening hemorrhaging, or have serious spontaneous bleeding episodes. The adeno-associated virus vector-based therapy is the first-of-its-kind for the treatment of Hemophilia B. “Gene therapy for hemophilia has been on the horizon for more than two decades,” Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a press release. “Despite advancements in the treatment of hemophilia, the prevention and treatment of bleeding episodes can adversely impact individuals’ quality of life.”
FDA finalizes neurodegenerative disease gene therapy guidance
Posted on: 2 November 2022, source: Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week finalized guidance to assist sponsors developing human gene therapy (GT) products for neurodegenerative diseases. In the final version, FDA acceded to industry’s requests to modify its language on the use of crossover trials, provided more detail on the use of comparability studies in assessing the effect of post-approval manufacturing changes on products and eliminated limits for residual product-related impurities.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week finalized guidance to assist sponsors developing human gene therapy (GT) products for neurodegenerative diseases. In the final version, FDA acceded to industry’s requests to modify its language on the use of crossover trials, provided more detail on the use of comparability studies in assessing the effect of post-approval manufacturing changes on products and eliminated limits for residual product-related impurities.
Gene Therapy Rapidly Improves Night Vision in Adults with Congenital Blindness
Posted on: 11 October 2022, source: Penn MedicineDNA
Adults with a genetic form of childhood-onset blindness experienced striking recoveries of night vision within days of receiving an experimental gene therapy, according to researchers at the Scheie Eye Institute in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The patients had Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a congenital blindness caused by mutations in the gene GUCY2D
Adults with a genetic form of childhood-onset blindness experienced striking recoveries of night vision within days of receiving an experimental gene therapy, according to researchers at the Scheie Eye Institute in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The patients had Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a congenital blindness caused by mutations in the gene GUCY2D
Codex DNA's BioXp 9600 System debuting at CAR-TCR Summit
Posted on: 20 September 2022, source: Codex DNA
Increasing the power of optimized synthetic biology workflows with expanded throughput and scale: Introducing the BioXpTM 9600 System. Codex DNA – a San Diego-based biotechnology company, and pioneer in automated benchtop synthetic biology systems – will be debuting their next-generation fully-automated synthetic biology benchtop workstation, the BioXp 9600 System, at this year’s CAR-TCR summit.
Increasing the power of optimized synthetic biology workflows with expanded throughput and scale: Introducing the BioXpTM 9600 System. Codex DNA – a San Diego-based biotechnology company, and pioneer in automated benchtop synthetic biology systems – will be debuting their next-generation fully-automated synthetic biology benchtop workstation, the BioXp 9600 System, at this year’s CAR-TCR summit.
BioMarin reports cancer case in hemophilia gene therapy trial
Posted on: 14 September 2022, source: Biopharmadive
Drug regulators have not ordered a trial hold after an analysis suggested leukemia was naturally occurring, company says. BioMarin Pharmaceutical, a California-based biotechnology company, said a patient in a clinical trial of its hemophilia gene therapy Roctavian has developed leukemia, although testing suggests that the case may be naturally occurring..
Drug regulators have not ordered a trial hold after an analysis suggested leukemia was naturally occurring, company says. BioMarin Pharmaceutical, a California-based biotechnology company, said a patient in a clinical trial of its hemophilia gene therapy Roctavian has developed leukemia, although testing suggests that the case may be naturally occurring..
Novartis Confirms Deaths of Two Patients Treated with Gene Therapy Zolgensma
Posted on: 15 August 2022, source: genengnews.com
Novartis has acknowledged that two patients have died of acute liver failure following treatment with its Zolgensma® (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi), a one-time gene therapy indicated for some forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). As a result, the company said, it will revise Zolgensma’s label to specify that fatal acute liver failure has been reported.
Novartis has acknowledged that two patients have died of acute liver failure following treatment with its Zolgensma® (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi), a one-time gene therapy indicated for some forms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). As a result, the company said, it will revise Zolgensma’s label to specify that fatal acute liver failure has been reported.
First patient in the Netherlands successfully treated with stem cell gene therapy
Posted on: 21 July 2022, source: LUMC
Researchers from the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have successfully used stem cell gene therapy to treat a baby with the severe congenital immune disorder SCID. An important milestone: it is the first time stem cell gene therapy of Dutch origin has been administered to a patient, and also the first time it has been used to treat this particular form of SCID worldwide. The treatment was effective and the patient is doing well.
Researchers from the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have successfully used stem cell gene therapy to treat a baby with the severe congenital immune disorder SCID. An important milestone: it is the first time stem cell gene therapy of Dutch origin has been administered to a patient, and also the first time it has been used to treat this particular form of SCID worldwide. The treatment was effective and the patient is doing well.
One-time gene therapy injection could provide HIV treatment that may last a lifetime
Posted on: 12 July 2022, source: ohsu.edu
A new pre-clinical study in nonhuman primates will evaluate an experimental drug’s potential use as a gene therapy that could prevent people who have HIV from having to take daily antiviral drugs for the rest of their lives. The research will be led by Oregon Health & Science University researcher Jonah Sacha, Ph.D., who also serves as a scientific adviser to CytoDyn, the biotechnology company developing the drug, called leronlimab. The study is funded by a five-year grant of up to $5 million that was recently awarded to OHSU by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.
A new pre-clinical study in nonhuman primates will evaluate an experimental drug’s potential use as a gene therapy that could prevent people who have HIV from having to take daily antiviral drugs for the rest of their lives. The research will be led by Oregon Health & Science University researcher Jonah Sacha, Ph.D., who also serves as a scientific adviser to CytoDyn, the biotechnology company developing the drug, called leronlimab. The study is funded by a five-year grant of up to $5 million that was recently awarded to OHSU by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Gene therapy to cure leukemia at one-tenth global costs in the works
Posted on: 13 June 2022, source: Business Standard
ImmunoACT, an IIT-Bombay spin-off backed by Hyderabad-based Laurus Labs, is testing a new gene-therapy treatment for cancer, which they claim would not only cure the disease, but also costs one-tenth of the global price. “We are working with CD19 CAR T Cell for leukemia and lymphoma. What we do is we take out some blood and plasma from the cancer patient, and then isolate the T-cells (which are immune cells) from this sample. These cells are then genetically modified so that they eliminate cancer cells. Then this is transfused back to the patient,” explains Rahul Purwar, founder and chairman of ImmunoACT. The product is named H-CAR T-19.
ImmunoACT, an IIT-Bombay spin-off backed by Hyderabad-based Laurus Labs, is testing a new gene-therapy treatment for cancer, which they claim would not only cure the disease, but also costs one-tenth of the global price. “We are working with CD19 CAR T Cell for leukemia and lymphoma. What we do is we take out some blood and plasma from the cancer patient, and then isolate the T-cells (which are immune cells) from this sample. These cells are then genetically modified so that they eliminate cancer cells. Then this is transfused back to the patient,” explains Rahul Purwar, founder and chairman of ImmunoACT. The product is named H-CAR T-19.
Gene Therapy Successfully Treats Spinal Cord Injuries Without Side Effects
Posted on: 31 May 2022, source: SciTechDaily
In mouse studies, pain-blocking neurotransmitters produced long-lasting benefits without detectable side effects. An international team of researchers led by scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine reported that a gene therapy that inhibits targeted nerve cell signaling effectively reduced neuropathic pain in mice with spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries with no detectable side effects.
In mouse studies, pain-blocking neurotransmitters produced long-lasting benefits without detectable side effects. An international team of researchers led by scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine reported that a gene therapy that inhibits targeted nerve cell signaling effectively reduced neuropathic pain in mice with spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries with no detectable side effects.
Updates on gene therapy for ‘bubble boy’ disease and cellular immunotherapy at ASGCT
Posted on: 15 May 2022, source: ASGCT
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists will discuss research on cellular therapies for pediatric cancer and more at the annual gathering of the professional society for gene and cellular therapy researchers.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists will discuss research on cellular therapies for pediatric cancer and more at the annual gathering of the professional society for gene and cellular therapy researchers.
AAV Durability: The Road to a One-Shot Cure
Posted on: 15 April 2022, source: Hansonwade
Inconsistent long-term clinical data has highlighted the need to better understand the durability of AAV gene therapy. At Hanson Wade Intelligence, our Market Research division, we have classified 121 AAV gene therapy trials into 4 distinct groups based on the target tissue type – liver, muscle, CNS and ocular tissues. This allowed us to summarise available data on clinical durability as well as the key findings we observed across tissues, trials, doses and serotypes. We hope that this report will provide gene therapy developers with valuable insights on the durability of the current generation of AAV gene therapies.
Inconsistent long-term clinical data has highlighted the need to better understand the durability of AAV gene therapy. At Hanson Wade Intelligence, our Market Research division, we have classified 121 AAV gene therapy trials into 4 distinct groups based on the target tissue type – liver, muscle, CNS and ocular tissues. This allowed us to summarise available data on clinical durability as well as the key findings we observed across tissues, trials, doses and serotypes. We hope that this report will provide gene therapy developers with valuable insights on the durability of the current generation of AAV gene therapies.
Gene Therapy Sector Needs Better Cell Lines for Vector Production
Posted on: 4 April 2022, source: Genengnews
Gene therapy developers targeting diseases requiring high dose therapies face a challenge. Current vector production cell lines and genetic manipulation techniques are too costly for large-scale manufacturing, according to new research. The study, by scientists at Portugal’s Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), looked at areas of gene therapy production where innovation is needed.
Gene therapy developers targeting diseases requiring high dose therapies face a challenge. Current vector production cell lines and genetic manipulation techniques are too costly for large-scale manufacturing, according to new research. The study, by scientists at Portugal’s Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), looked at areas of gene therapy production where innovation is needed.
Gene Therapy Turns to the Use of Synthetic Biology Principles
Posted on: 4 March 2022, source: Genengnews
A new university spinout company is hoping to use synthetic biology to transform gene therapy manufacture. SynGenSys, from the University of Sheffield, plans to tap into engineering design principles to create synthetic promoters to target therapeutic genes to the correct patient tissues. “Typically, people use viral promoters, such as cytomegalovirus as their go-to promoter, but it’s a really complex piece of DNA active in many human tissues,” says David C. James, PhD, professor of bioprocess engineering and co-founder of SynGenSys.
A new university spinout company is hoping to use synthetic biology to transform gene therapy manufacture. SynGenSys, from the University of Sheffield, plans to tap into engineering design principles to create synthetic promoters to target therapeutic genes to the correct patient tissues. “Typically, people use viral promoters, such as cytomegalovirus as their go-to promoter, but it’s a really complex piece of DNA active in many human tissues,” says David C. James, PhD, professor of bioprocess engineering and co-founder of SynGenSys.
Lentiviral vector-based gene therapy demonstrates long-term safety and efficacy for Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
Posted on: 11 February 2022, source: MedicalXpress
Genethon, a unique non-profit gene therapy R&D organization founded by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM-Telethon), announced today that its lentiviral based gene therapy, developed in collaboration with French and British teams, has demonstrated long-term efficacy in eight patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare and severe immune deficiency.
Genethon, a unique non-profit gene therapy R&D organization founded by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM-Telethon), announced today that its lentiviral based gene therapy, developed in collaboration with French and British teams, has demonstrated long-term efficacy in eight patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare and severe immune deficiency.
Nanoscope Therapeutics announces FDA clearance of IND for MCO-010 gene therapy in Stargardt patients
Posted on: 26 January 2022, source: Ophthalmology Times
Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc. announced that it has received IND clearance from the FDA to begin a Phase 2 trial of its Multi-Characteristic Opsin (MCO-010) ambient-light activatable optogenetic monotherapy to restore vision in Stargardt patients.
Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc. announced that it has received IND clearance from the FDA to begin a Phase 2 trial of its Multi-Characteristic Opsin (MCO-010) ambient-light activatable optogenetic monotherapy to restore vision in Stargardt patients.
Avrobio stops work on rare disease gene therapy after unexpected study results
Posted on: 6 January 2022, source: Biopharmadive
Avrobio, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based gene therapy developer, will unexpectedly stop work on one of its most advanced treatments, citing disappointing results from a clinical trial that contrast with earlier, more promising findings. In a statement Tuesday, Avrobio said it would stop recruiting patients into a mid-stage study testing its gene therapy for Fabry disease, a rare inherited disorder, and deprioritize the research program. Monitoring will continue for the 14 Fabry patients who have received Avrobio's therapy so far.
Avrobio, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based gene therapy developer, will unexpectedly stop work on one of its most advanced treatments, citing disappointing results from a clinical trial that contrast with earlier, more promising findings. In a statement Tuesday, Avrobio said it would stop recruiting patients into a mid-stage study testing its gene therapy for Fabry disease, a rare inherited disorder, and deprioritize the research program. Monitoring will continue for the 14 Fabry patients who have received Avrobio's therapy so far.
New Bespoke Gene Therapy Consortium Is Welcome Development
Posted on: 10 December 2021, source: Pharmaceutical Executive
The creation of the Bespoke Gene Therapy Consortium (BGTC) in the US is welcome news, especially if it achieves its ambition to accelerate the delivery of more gene therapies for rare diseases. The new body is headed and funded by FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with other stakeholders including small biotechs, major pharma brands, and non-profit organizations.
The creation of the Bespoke Gene Therapy Consortium (BGTC) in the US is welcome news, especially if it achieves its ambition to accelerate the delivery of more gene therapies for rare diseases. The new body is headed and funded by FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with other stakeholders including small biotechs, major pharma brands, and non-profit organizations.