CureDuchenne Ventures has announced an initial $1 million investment in Entos Pharmaceuticals to develop a novel gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The funding will support the creation of a muscle-targeting therapeutic utilizing Entos' non-viral, redosable Fusogenix PLV delivery platform to deliver full-length dystrophin protein to patients with DMD.
The investment, announced on May 22, 2025, represents a significant step forward in addressing the limitations of current gene therapy approaches for DMD. The collaboration aims to develop treatments that can be administered multiple times and reach all necessary muscle tissues throughout the body.
Overcoming Current Gene Therapy Limitations
Current AAV-based gene therapies for DMD face several challenges, including the inability to redose patients, exclusion of individuals with pre-existing immunity to the viral vectors, and limitations in delivering the full-length dystrophin gene due to packaging constraints.
"We are very excited by the potential of Entos Pharmaceuticals' technology and look forward to collaborating with Entos in pursuit of a gene therapy that overcomes the limitations of current AAV-based approaches," said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne. "This investment underscores our continued use of venture philanthropy to catalyze progress towards transformative treatments for Duchenne."
The Fusogenix PLV platform represents a novel approach to genetic medicine delivery, combining advantages of both viral and non-viral approaches. The technology uses a completely new mechanism for intracellular delivery of genetic material, including RNA, DNA, and gene editing therapies.
How the Fusogenix PLV Platform Works
Entos' proprietary platform is formulated with FAST proteins that enable direct fusion with target cells, facilitating the delivery of nucleic acids. This approach allows for the delivery of full-length functional genes, which is particularly important for DMD where the dystrophin gene is one of the largest in the human genome.
"The Fusogenix PLV platform enables the safe, effective, and redosable delivery of full-length functional genes, like dystrophin, to muscle cells throughout the body. Given that Fusogenix PLV-based treatments can be given more than once, if needed, this could be a real game-changer," explained John Lewis, CEO of Entos Pharmaceuticals.
The ability to deliver the complete dystrophin gene could potentially provide more comprehensive treatment than current approaches that deliver shortened versions of the protein.
Addressing a Critical Unmet Need
DMD is a rare, progressive, inherited neuromuscular disease affecting approximately one in every 3,500-5,000 males. It is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes instructions for dystrophin, a key structural protein in muscle cells.
Symptoms typically appear in early childhood as difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, most individuals require full-time wheelchair use by their teens and eventually lose the ability to perform daily activities as muscle weakness affects their upper limbs. Cardiopulmonary complications are the primary cause of death.
The development of a redosable therapy that delivers full-length dystrophin could significantly impact the treatment landscape for DMD patients, potentially slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
Venture Philanthropy Driving Innovation
CureDuchenne Ventures, the investment arm of the non-profit patient advocacy organization CureDuchenne, has a strong track record of supporting transformative treatments for DMD. The organization has funded 19 projects that have advanced to human clinical trials and made multiple equity investments in companies working to overcome limitations of first-generation therapies.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors and the Duchenne community—your support has made this investment possible and continues to drive progress toward a cure," Miller added.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
Entos will share information about the Fusogenix PLV platform and their plans for DMD treatment with families at the CureDuchenne 2025 FUTURES National Conference, held on May 22-25 in San Antonio, Texas. The presentation is scheduled for Friday, May 23, and will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
This investment represents an important step in the ongoing efforts to develop more effective treatments for DMD, with the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients living with this devastating disease. The collaboration between CureDuchenne Ventures and Entos Pharmaceuticals highlights the critical role of innovative funding approaches in advancing treatments for rare diseases.
