Families of SMA Awards $150,000 to Dr Burghes and Dr Lorson at Ohio and Missouri to Investigate New Antisense Therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
This funding is being awarded to Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Arthur Burghes at Ohio State University and Dr. Christian Lorson at University of Missouri.
Elk Grove Village, IL, May 10, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Families of SMA is dedicated to creating a treatment and cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) by funding and advancing a comprehensive research program, including drug discovery programs to make practical new therapies. This is the third drug discovery project awarded by Families of SMA in 2013 with a total investment of $400,000. This program will assess the therapeutic potential of second-generation Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASO) sequences for SMA.
This funding is being awarded to Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Arthur Burghes at Ohio State University and Dr. Christian Lorson at University of Missouri.
Program Description: New Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotides for the Treatment of SMA.
Objective: Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeted to the ISS-N1 region have been shown to be effective in mice and are now being tested in the current clinical trials conducted by Isis Pharmaceuticals. The major goal of this new program is to explore the therapeutic potential of two new sequences, which are located in different regions of the SMN2 gene. Importantly, the possibility exists to use these different ASOs in combination. The ASOs in this project will be generated using a new morpholino backbone chemistry.
How Does the ASO Approach for SMA Work?
This therapeutic approach for SMA involves the use of small pieces of genetic material, called oligonucleotides, to increase the production of a missing protein. The methodology is often called Antisense Oligonucleotide technology. In SMA, the SMN protein is reduced due to the loss of the SMN1 gene. A second closely related back-up gene called SMN2 exists that normally produces a truncated and low-functioning form of SMN protein.
“We are very grateful to Families of SMA for funding our ASO project as we hope we can continue to develop therapeutics that target an additional genetic element within SMN2. SMA is a very complex disease and it is possible that more therapeutic options will be required to effectively combat this disease,” stated Chris Lorson, Ph.D., Professor at University of Missouri.
“There are now a series of exciting therapies for induction of SMN from the back-up gene SMN2, with the antisense oligonucleotides being one. In essence, the best way to increase SMN protein from SMN2 remains a critical issue, and this will be investigated in this new project,” stated Arthur Burghes Ph.D., Professor at Ohio State University.
This current FSMA award is for one year with the goal of optimizing and assessing the therapeutic potential of novel ASO sequences from the SMN2 back-up gene. Subsequent funding to advance these ASOs towards an Investigational New Drug application to the FDA will be evaluated by the FSMA TAC through the planned 2014 Request for Proposals in Preclinical SMA Drug Development.
A portion of this new research program is being generously funded by Stop SMA.
Stop SMA was created to raise awareness and funding for research to treat and end SMA. Inspired by the diagnosis of Evie Horton and Reese McDonald, family and friends have joined together to advocate for all families facing SMA and change the prognosis of the disease forever.
In late 2012, FSMA’s Translational Advisory Committee (TAC) met to evaluate research funding for new drug discovery projects for SMA. Families of SMA has now awarded three new drug discovery projects over the last three months.
The SMA Drug Pipeline
There are now 15 new SMA drug programs in development, including 3 in clinical trials. This pipeline has expanded from just 4 programs 5 years ago. Families of SMA has funded over half of all the ongoing drug programs for SMA. The FSMA research approach funds programs at early stages, and then partners with companies to take them through clinical trials. Supporting multiple programs gives different approaches for a SMA therapy, which increases the chances of success and accelerates the timeline to a treatment and cure.
This funding is being awarded to Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Arthur Burghes at Ohio State University and Dr. Christian Lorson at University of Missouri.
Program Description: New Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotides for the Treatment of SMA.
Objective: Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeted to the ISS-N1 region have been shown to be effective in mice and are now being tested in the current clinical trials conducted by Isis Pharmaceuticals. The major goal of this new program is to explore the therapeutic potential of two new sequences, which are located in different regions of the SMN2 gene. Importantly, the possibility exists to use these different ASOs in combination. The ASOs in this project will be generated using a new morpholino backbone chemistry.
How Does the ASO Approach for SMA Work?
This therapeutic approach for SMA involves the use of small pieces of genetic material, called oligonucleotides, to increase the production of a missing protein. The methodology is often called Antisense Oligonucleotide technology. In SMA, the SMN protein is reduced due to the loss of the SMN1 gene. A second closely related back-up gene called SMN2 exists that normally produces a truncated and low-functioning form of SMN protein.
“We are very grateful to Families of SMA for funding our ASO project as we hope we can continue to develop therapeutics that target an additional genetic element within SMN2. SMA is a very complex disease and it is possible that more therapeutic options will be required to effectively combat this disease,” stated Chris Lorson, Ph.D., Professor at University of Missouri.
“There are now a series of exciting therapies for induction of SMN from the back-up gene SMN2, with the antisense oligonucleotides being one. In essence, the best way to increase SMN protein from SMN2 remains a critical issue, and this will be investigated in this new project,” stated Arthur Burghes Ph.D., Professor at Ohio State University.
This current FSMA award is for one year with the goal of optimizing and assessing the therapeutic potential of novel ASO sequences from the SMN2 back-up gene. Subsequent funding to advance these ASOs towards an Investigational New Drug application to the FDA will be evaluated by the FSMA TAC through the planned 2014 Request for Proposals in Preclinical SMA Drug Development.
A portion of this new research program is being generously funded by Stop SMA.
Stop SMA was created to raise awareness and funding for research to treat and end SMA. Inspired by the diagnosis of Evie Horton and Reese McDonald, family and friends have joined together to advocate for all families facing SMA and change the prognosis of the disease forever.
In late 2012, FSMA’s Translational Advisory Committee (TAC) met to evaluate research funding for new drug discovery projects for SMA. Families of SMA has now awarded three new drug discovery projects over the last three months.
The SMA Drug Pipeline
There are now 15 new SMA drug programs in development, including 3 in clinical trials. This pipeline has expanded from just 4 programs 5 years ago. Families of SMA has funded over half of all the ongoing drug programs for SMA. The FSMA research approach funds programs at early stages, and then partners with companies to take them through clinical trials. Supporting multiple programs gives different approaches for a SMA therapy, which increases the chances of success and accelerates the timeline to a treatment and cure.
Contact
Families of SMA
Kenneth Hobby
800 886 1762
www.curesma.org
Kenneth Hobby
800 886 1762
www.curesma.org
Contact
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