AVA-201 is a next generation anti-VEGF gene therapy product candidate, which is being developed for the potential prevention and treatment of wet AMD. AVA-201 delivers the same sFLT-1 expressing gene as AVA-101 but uses next-generation AAV vector delivery method. AVA-201 is administered by an intravitreal injection directly into the vitreous, the jellylike substance inside the eye.
The results of a Phase 1, 52-week trial of Avalanche Biotechnologies’ rAAV.sFLT-1 (AVA-101) gene therapy for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) have been published online by The Lancet. The study sought to evaluate the safety of rAAV.sFLT-1 via a single subretinal injection. Results of the study demonstrate that rAAV.sFLT-1 was safe and well tolerated, and support ocular gene therapy as a potential long-term treatment option for wAMD.
“The use of gene therapy to reprogramme genetically normal cells of the retina to take on additional functions opens a new chapter in potential AAV applications.”
– Dr. Robert MacLaren, Moorsfield Eye Hospital
The complete article and editorial commentary by Dr. MacLaren, are available from The Lancet.
