Next-generation AAV gene therapy targets intractable chronic pain
Navega Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing epigenetic gene therapies, today announced the receipt of a $4M Translational Science grant from CIRM for the relief of neuropathic pain. Founder and CEO, Ana Moreno, expressed her gratitude for the second grant from CIRM which has supported the development of NT-Z001. Navega harnesses its AI-enabled platform for the construction of novel, highly selective epigenetic editors. The expression of Nav1.7 is down-regulated by the epigenetic editor, NT-Z001, and results in relief of chronic pain across multiple animal models. The grant will fund the final preclinical development studies of NT-Z001 leading to an IND.
Developing a Non-Opioid Treatment for Chronic Pain
Navega is pursuing a radically different approach for treatment of chronic pain associated with rare diseases and other common intractable chronic pain conditions such primary erythromelalgia and small fiber neuropathy by harnessing the precision of its AI-enabled zinc-finger epigenome regulation platform. Navega’s epigenetic therapy, NT-Z001, targets the gene SCN9A that encodes for NaV1.7, a sodium channel responsible for pain signal transmission. NT-Z001 is a non-addictive gene therapy for chronic pain that will also be used in other intractable pain indications, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain. “We are delighted to have been chosen from among a pool of highly qualified applicants. This is Navega’s second grant from CIRM and we appreciate their continued confidence in our ability to conduct high quality, innovative science directed to the relief of patients suffering with intractable pain.” – Ana Moreno, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Navega Therapeutics, Inc.
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