A clinical trial is set to investigate a treatment for bladder dysfunction, known as neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients – a study that could open the way for clinical development in neuro-urology pathologies affecting millions of patients.
The treatment – EG110A – is a genetic medicine which utilises a non-replicating HSV-1 (nrHSV-1) vector that has been designed to selectively silence the signals of key bladder sensory neurons responsible for the bladder muscle overactivity, whilst also preserving bladder voiding function.
EG110A s being developed by biotech company EG 427, which has raised €27m to finance the Phase 1b/2a development of the treatment.
The company’s HERpes Modular Expression System (HERMES) technology works by using special delivery systems (vectors) that can reach specific areas of the nervous system and activate only in certain types of neurons.
Philippe Chambon, CEO at EG 427, said: “Genetic medicine solutions have the potential to address major medical needs affecting large patient population with chronic diseases. Initially, our focus is on pathologies in neuro-urology.
“This field is currently underserved and lacks significant recent medical innovations, despite its huge costs to the healthcare systems.
“This funding allows us to advance our first programme focussed on dysfunctions of the bladder, such as neurogenic bladder, through its initial clinical trial. This first human study, currently in progress, will provide a read on safety and possibly early efficacy.”
Benoît Barteau, investment director at Bpifrance – InnoBio funds, which co-led the investment round said that EG 427 could significantly advance the applications of genetic medicine through highly targeted delivery and local administration.
“EG 427’s platform could enable repeated dosing and more affordable production costs compared to AAV based vectors. If successful, this approach could offer a better and longer-term therapeutic solution for patients who suffer from chronic neurological diseases,” said Barteau.
The financing will also support expansion of EG 427’s pipeline with several therapeutic vectors based on its HERMES technology.
