Tevard Biosciences, a privately-held biotechnology company pioneering tRNA-based gene therapies, and Zogenix, a worldwide biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing rare disease therapies, announced that the businesses have entered into a collaboration to spot and develop novel tRNA-based gene therapies for Dravet syndrome and other genetic epilepsies.
Under the collaboration, Tevard will utilize its two unique tRNA-based discovery platforms focused on mRNA Stabilization and Nonsense Codon Suppression to get and advance novel drug candidates for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and other genetic epilepsies. Zogenix will further develop the candidates through advanced preclinical studies and clinical development, and be liable for worldwide commercialization.
Tevard’s unique tRNA technology platforms are designed to deal with underlying genetic mutations during a precise and controlled manner through the correction of nonsense mutations and therefore the enhanced production of functional proteins. Together, these approaches hold promise to treat genetic disorders that aren’t well-suited to standard gene replacement approaches.
“We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Zogenix, whose commitment to developing new treatments for Dravet syndrome and other genetic epilepsies is unparalleled,” said Daniel E. Fischer, Co-founder, president, and chief military officer at Tevard Biosciences. “Tevard has assembled a team of leading experts focused on developing our breakthrough tRNA-based gene therapy platforms. Our collaboration with Zogenix will advance our mission to bring transformative gene therapy products to those living with Dravet and other rare and severe genetic disorders.
“We are thrilled to be working with an innovative company like Tevard to develop promising next-generation therapies,” said Stephen J. Farr, Ph.D., president and chief military officer of Zogenix. “Through this important new collaboration, we’ve reinforced our long-term commitment to reworking the lives of rare epilepsy patients and their families, and appearance forward to sharing updates as our work together progresses.”
Dravet syndrome may be a rare childhood-onset epilepsy marked by frequent debilitating seizures, lifelong developmental and motor impairments, and an increased risk of death (SUDEP). additionally to the catastrophic impact on the patient, the severity and unpredictability of the seizures, including around-the-clock concern for the diagnosed child’s safety and well-being, can present significant emotional and logistical challenges for folks and every one members of the family.
Also read :