HuidaGene Therapeutics has received FDA clearance for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for HG202, a CRISPR/Cas13 RNA-editing therapy intended for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This marks the first time the FDA has cleared a CRISPR/Cas13 therapy for clinical development, positioning HG202 as a potential breakthrough for patients who do not respond well to existing anti-VEGF treatments. The company plans to initiate the BRIGHT trial to assess the safety and efficacy of HG202.
HG202: A Novel Approach to nAMD Treatment
HG202 employs a novel mechanism of action by utilizing the Cas13 RNA editor to knockdown VEGF-A mRNA, thereby inhibiting angiogenesis without binding to VEGF receptors. This approach may offer a solution for the significant portion of nAMD patients—up to 46%—who exhibit poor or resistant responses to current anti-VEGF therapies. The therapy is based on the Cas13X/Y system, discovered through HuidaGene's AI/ML-driven HG-PRECISE platform, and engineered for high-fidelity editing with minimal off-target effects.
The BRIGHT Trial: Evaluating Safety and Efficacy
The BRIGHT trial (NCT06623279) is a Phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation study designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of HG202 in patients with neovascular AMD. Secondary endpoints include assessing improvements in visual acuity, retinal thickness, and the reduction in the need for anti-VEGF injections. The trial aims to enroll patients soon, offering a new therapeutic avenue for those with limited options.
Addressing Unmet Needs in nAMD Treatment
Neovascular AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 50, characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula. While anti-VEGF therapies have become the standard of care, a substantial number of patients do not achieve satisfactory outcomes or develop resistance over time. HG202 represents a promising alternative by targeting VEGF-A mRNA directly, potentially circumventing resistance mechanisms and improving visual outcomes. "AMD patients deserve safe, effective treatment options," said Xin Zhang, MD, MSc, COO and CMO of HuidaGene, emphasizing the urgency of developing new nAMD treatments to benefit patients worldwide.
Alvin Luk, PhD, MBA, CCRA, the co-founder and CEO of HuidaGene, noted, "This open IND for HG202 by the US FDA...marks a significant milestone for HuidaGene and the CRISPR RNA-editing field...[with the potential] to address AMD using a non-receptor binding pathway through the Cas13 RNA editor to knockdown VEGF-A mRNA."
