Adolore BioTherapeutics announced the publication of preclinical data demonstrating the biosafety and efficacy of its novel gene therapy approach for treating chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Therapy, represents the first comprehensive examination of the company's rdHSV-CA8* gene therapy delivered via intra-articular injection.
Novel Mechanism Targets Pain-Sensing Nerves
The gene therapy utilizes a replication-defective, disease-free herpes simplex virus (rdHSV) to deliver a human carbonic anhydrase-8 variant peptide (CA8*) directly to specialized pain-sensing peripheral nerves called nociceptors. According to the published research, this approach corrects somatosensory hyperexcitability by activating Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels, producing profound, long-lasting analgesia.
Dr. Roy Clifford Levitt, Clinical Professor at the University of Miami and Founder & Executive Chairman of Adolore BioTherapeutics, explained the mechanism: "Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channel activators, like rdHSV-CA8* open these channels and hyperpolarize nociceptors making them less excitable to produce profound analgesia."
Promising Preclinical Safety and Efficacy Results
The preclinical study examined naive mice for clinical safety, viral distribution across major tissues, knee histopathology, and analgesic efficacy. The results showed no signs of persistent toxicity or histopathology, with viral genomes remaining localized to the injection site and no evidence of viral shedding.
Most notably, the therapy produced profound analgesia that persisted for more than 6 months without functional impairments. This duration represents a significant advantage over current pain management approaches and suggests the potential for long-term therapeutic benefit.
Addressing Unmet Medical Need
The research addresses a critical gap in chronic pain management by offering a non-opioid alternative. Dr. Levitt noted that while Kv7 openers have demonstrated potent analgesic effects in human chronic pain conditions, previous systemic formulations were removed from the market due to off-target adverse events. The localized delivery approach developed by Adolore aims to maintain efficacy while avoiding systemic toxicity.
Clinical Development Timeline
Adolore's lead development program ADB-102 for chronic knee pain in osteoarthritis is fully funded by a UG3/UH3 grant from the NIH/NINDS HEAL program awarded to the University of Miami. This funding supports all formal preclinical GLP/GMP/GCP development work through a first-in-human study, which is expected to commence in 2026.
The company is currently progressing with IND-enabling studies based on these positive preclinical results. Dr. Levitt stated, "Our preclinical data strongly support continued preclinical development toward an IND and clinical studies of ADB-102."
Broader Therapeutic Applications
Beyond osteoarthritis, Adolore's CA8* gene therapy platform addresses multiple pain mechanisms including neuropathic, inflammatory, and nociceptive pain. The company's pipeline includes ADB-101 for erythromelalgia (an orphan disease), ADB-104 for drug-resistant refractory focal epilepsy, and ADB-105 for acute severe hearing loss.
The versatile delivery platform allows for multiple administration routes including intra-articular, intra-neuronal (nerve block), and intradermal injection, potentially expanding its applicability across various chronic pain conditions and neurological disorders.
