The race for an effective alternative to anti-VEGF therapies in nAMD heats up.
Exegenesis Bio (Philadelphia, USA), a clinical-stage global gene therapy company, has shared updates on its investigational rAAV-based gene therapies for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), EXG102 and EXG202.
EXG102 delivers a proprietary capsid via subretinal injection for efficient delivery to photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. But it is EXG202, the company’s next-generation evolution of EXG102, that is garnering all the hype.
EXG202 employs the same genetic cargo but is delivered via a less invasive intravitreal injection. This novel capsid has demonstrated a 3- to 5-fold increase in retinal transduction efficiency compared to existing ocular-specific capsids in non-human primate studies.1
“Our unique approach to wet AMD is built on three pillars: (1) targeting multiple neovascular pathways, including VEGF subtypes A, B, C, D, and Angiopoietin 2; (2) packaging our cargo in a proprietary capsid that targets photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium more efficiently, and (3) administering the treatment via intravitreal injection, a safe, non-surgical procedure,” said Zhenhua Wu, CEO of Exegenesis Bio, in a news release. “We believe this will result in a ‘Best-in-Class’ treatment for wAMD and other ocular diseases.”
Clinical trials for EXG102 and EXG202 are currently underway in the United States and China, and results are expected in the coming months. The trials will evaluate safety and tolerability, as well as visual acuity and central retinal thickness in patients. Exegenesis Bio anticipates sharing additional data in the coming months.1
Further updates on the company’s pipeline, including Fabry Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Muscle Tropic Capsid programs, are expected to be released during JP Morgan week in San Francisco, January 13-16, 2025.1
References
- US FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to EXG110, a Novel Gene Therapy for Fabry Disease. Exegenesis Bio. December 3, 2024. Available at: https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20241203974744/us-fda-grants-orphan-drug-designation-to-exg110-a-novel-gene-therapy-for-fabry-disease. Accessed on 12/12/2024.