Visgenx Extends Collaboration with Charles River Laboratories for Gene Therapy Development
Visgenx, Inc. announced the extension of its collaboration with Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. to focus on the development of VGX-0111, a promising gene therapy designed by Visgenx to address dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
"Manufacturing of gene therapies is highly complex and product quality is of paramount importance," said William Pedranti, CEO, Visgenx. "We have the utmost confidence in Charles River to manufacture for VGX-0111 as we work toward our goal to bring treatment for those suffering from dry-AMD."
The extension comes on the heels of a successful Type B pre-IND meeting with the FDA in the summer of 2023, reflecting the positive progress of Visgenx's VGX-0111 development program. Following this milestone, Charles River Laboratories will commence the manufacturing of materials crucial for VGX-0111, aiming to initiate a clinical proof-of-concept by 2025.
The manufactured materials will support a good laboratory practice (GLP) pre-clinical toxicology study, marking a critical step in the comprehensive evaluation of VGX-0111's safety and efficacy. This collaboration builds on a prior successful adeno-associated virus (AAV) production partnership between Visgenx and Charles River Laboratories, showcasing the strength and synergy of their ongoing collaboration.
"We are excited to expand our partnership with Visgenx on this gene therapy," said Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President, Biologics Solutions, Charles River. "The collaboration will tap into our premier gene therapy CDMO capabilities, and we are thrilled that our expertise will help to bring VGX-0111 one step closer to the clinic."
