A Race Against Blindness has awarded a $2 million grant to Axovia Therapeutics to advance a promising gene therapy candidate for children affected by retinitis pigmentosa due to Bardet-Biedl Syndrome 1 (BBS1). The grant, awarded in December 2024, will support the clinical development of AXV101, bringing hope to thousands of children worldwide facing progressive vision loss.
Advancing Toward Clinical Trials
The funding is specifically earmarked to support critical pre-clinical activities and the upcoming clinical trial. Axovia Therapeutics is preparing for a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) submission in the United Kingdom, with plans to initiate the trial by mid-2025. The grant will facilitate essential components including manufacturing processes, GLP toxicology studies, and ongoing regulatory interactions with UK authorities.
"Because of our incredible supporters, we've taken another huge step forward in the race against blindness. But much work remains, and continuing to advance this therapy into and through a clinical trial remains our top priority," said Dr. Stephen Johnston, co-founder of A Race Against Blindness.
Significant Financial Commitment
This latest grant brings A Race Against Blindness's total contribution to $3 million for 2024, demonstrating the organization's substantial commitment to advancing sight-saving therapies. The funding reflects the urgent nature of developing treatments for BBS1-related retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive condition that can lead to complete vision loss in children.
Personal Mission Driving Progress
The initiative carries special significance for the organization's founders, Dr. Stephen Johnston and Kristina Johnston, whose son was diagnosed with progressive vision loss due to RP/BBS1. Their personal experience underscores the time-sensitive nature of developing effective treatments, as emphasized by Dr. Johnston: "The potential of this gene therapy to address vision loss brings hope to thousands of children facing blindness due to BBS1 worldwide. However, additional funding is needed to support this program through clinical trials."
The race against time continues as researchers work to develop this potentially sight-saving treatment, with the clinical trial representing a crucial step forward in addressing this devastating condition affecting children worldwide.
