EG 427

Highlights ⭐

• Solving the problem: Existing drugs act by paralyzing the bladder muscle in more or less selective ways and can lead to urinary retention, also associated with infections. Based on highly targeted gene therapy delivery afforded by the nrHSV-1 vectors, EG 427's EG110A, by contrast, selectively silences only the type-C sensory neurons in the bladder by delivering botulinum toxin F light chain (BoNT/F LC). This approach has been shown to preserve bladder muscle function in preclinical testing. Thanks to the local administration of the nrHSV-1 vector into bladder muscle and the vector’s natural tropism from there to sensory neurons, EG110A achieves exquisite specificity for targeted neurons without spreading systemically like other smaller viral vectors used in gene therapy, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV). Compared to available treatments, EG110A may also provide long-term efficacy, reducing or even potentially obviating the need for repeated injections.
• Technology: Viral vectors have become one of the leading gene delivery systems for genetic medicine in humans. However, multiple gene therapy assets have encountered challenges with their local and safe delivery. EG 427 has created a unique approach, utilizing a recombinant non-replicative HSV-1 vector, to provide clinicians with a precision gene therapy solution to treat chronic diseases. 🔗
• Pipeline: EG 427's focus is on highly morbid chronic disorders where medical innovation has been limited, if at all. Its initial target is a series of pathologies of the bladder disproportionately affecting women and minorities. 🔗