JDRF Partners with AGTC and Genzyme for Gene Therapy Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Strategic Insights -

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has partnered with Applied Genetic Technologies Corp. (AGTC) and Genzyme Corp. to develop a gene therapy treatment to prevent blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy. As part of the partnership, JDRF will provide up to $1 million in milestone-driven payments over two years, contingent on the research achieving specific technical milestones. The joint efforts aim to treat diabetic retinopathy, a debilitating condition common among individuals with type 1 diabetes, where most will ultimately develop symptoms. Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive disease that destroys small blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The JDRF-AVTC-Genzyme partnership will develop a gene therapy treatment for diabetic retinopathy, with JDRF providing up to $1 million in milestone-driven payments over 2 years.
  • Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of type 1 diabetes, with most individuals developing symptoms, leading to vision problems.
  • The partnership aims to broaden their joint efforts in ocular diseases to include products to treat this debilitating condition.
  • The AGTC/Genzyme partnership is a part of the JDRF's innovative Industry Discovery and Development Partnership program, which partners with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to develop treatments for type 1 diabetes and its complications.
  • JDRF funds research in various areas, including beta cell regeneration, immunology, islet cell replacement, complications, genetics, and technological innovations and therapeutics.
  • Richard A. Insel, MD, executive VP for Research at JDRF, stated that the partnership will accelerate progress in treating diabetic retinopathy.
  • Sue Washer, president and CEO of AGTC, emphasized that the chronic and progressive nature of diabetic retinopathy makes it a strong candidate for a gene therapy approach.

Statistics:

  • Up to $1 million: JDRF's milestone-driven payments over 2 years.
  • 2 years: The duration of the partnership's funding commitment.
  • Most: Individuals with type 1 diabetes will develop symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.
  • 2006: Year the partnership was announced.

Sources:

  • World Disease Weekly editors
  • NewsRx.com
  • JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
  • Applied Genetic Technologies Corp. (AGTC)
  • Genzyme Corp.
  • World Disease Weekly via NewsRx.com, 2006.