Breaking Ground in Respiratory Care: Oxford’s AlveoGene Unveils Vision for Inhaled Gene Therapies
In a groundbreaking debut, Oxford-based biotech AlveoGene has burst onto the scene, armed with bold plans to harness the transformative power of inhaled gene therapies for rare respiratory disorders. Fuelled by seed funding from Oxford Science Enterprises and esteemed academic venture capital funds, AlveoGene has secured exclusive rights to the Gene Therapy Consortium’s cutting-edge lentiviral delivery platform, known as InGenuiTy.
This platform is set to revolutionize the treatment landscape for respiratory diseases with significant unmet needs, with one notable exception—the CTFR gene. This gene is already in development for inhaled formulation by Boehringer Ingelheim, a path initiated in 2021 and aimed at combating cystic fibrosis.
AlveoGene’s inaugural mission centers on addressing Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), a prevalent rare disorder with far-reaching consequences. AATD, an inherited condition, leads to a deficiency in a vital plasma protein crucial for lung protection, heightening the risk of various lung diseases, including emphysema. Presently, the standard of care offers limited options, such as symptomatic treatment or weekly IV infusions of plasma-derived alpha-1 antitrypsin.
AlveoGene’s inhaled gene therapy for AATD promises to stimulate production of the deficient protein and is poised to enter clinical trials in the next two to three years. This comes as a ray of hope, especially considering the condition’s widespread underdiagnosis. The recently approved at-home diagnostic test by Grifols is expected to expand the pool of treatable individuals significantly.
However, AATD is just the beginning for AlveoGene. The versatile InGenuiTy platform will serve as a launchpad for exploring potential treatments for other elusive respiratory ailments, including lung surfactant deficiencies and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
The road to inhaled gene therapies for respiratory diseases has been a challenging one, marked by previous setbacks attributed to the stubborn mucus barrier in the airways. Nevertheless, recent breakthroughs are rewriting the narrative. One standout example is 4D Molecular’s gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, which, in human trials, showcased improved lung function and enhanced quality of life for patients, even in severe cases. This marks a significant stride in delivering the CFTR gene via inhalation.
Traditional gene therapies often rely on viral vectors, which can trigger immune responses and limit repeated dosing. AlveoGene’s InGenuiTy platform, on the other hand, employs lentiviral delivery, offering an extended duration of action and the potential for repeated administration, a notable advantage in the world of gene therapy.
Steering this pioneering venture is biotech luminary David Hipkiss, former leader of Prosonix, a respiratory medicine innovator, and CEO at Enesi Pharma. With Hipkiss at the helm, AlveoGene is poised to chart new frontiers in the quest for groundbreaking respiratory treatments.