VOYAGER DIGITAL LT

Voyager Therapeutics has launched a new gene therapy program targeting APOE4, the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, using its proprietary TRACER capsid technology for intravenous delivery.

Vima Therapeutics launched with $60 million Series A funding led by Atlas Venture to advance VIM0423, a potential first-in-class oral therapy for dystonia targeting muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

Voyager Therapeutics published the first peer-reviewed study demonstrating alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) receptor's ability to transport novel AAV capsids across the blood-brain barrier in Molecular Therapy.

Voyager Therapeutics announces strategic shift in their SOD1 ALS gene therapy program after three-month non-human primate data indicated the need for alternate payload evaluation.

• Bayer's BlueRock Therapeutics initiated a Phase 1 trial of DA01, a cell-based therapy using stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons, to replenish lost neurons in Parkinson's patients. • AskBio, another Bayer subsidiary, has begun a Phase 1b trial of its gene therapy for Parkinson's, aiming to halt or reverse motor control decline by delivering a gene for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). • The FDA granted fast-track review to BlueRock's DA01, potentially accelerating its development through increased communication with the regulator and a shorter review period. • These trials mark a significant step in Bayer's strategy to develop cell and gene therapies that could regenerate dopamine-producing neurons, addressing a major unmet need in Parkinson's disease.

The market for gene and cell therapies targeting CNS disorders was valued at approximately USD 1 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow significantly by 2034.

OrsoBio, backed by Eli Lilly, raised $67 million to advance its portfolio of weight loss medicines targeting different mechanisms than GLP-1 therapies.