News

LX2006 gene therapy now on FDA fast track for heart disease in FA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put Lexeo Therapeutics’ LX2006, a gene therapy candidate for heart disease in people with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), on the fast track for development. The award of fast track status aims to expedite the development and regulatory review of investigational therapies…

FARA to host April 27 meeting on disease research, management

Patients and caregivers will hear the latest news on Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) research and management at an April 27 meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) will host its FA Research Reception at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. Topics for the event…

Gene-editing therapy restores more normal function in FA cell model

A gene-editing therapy designed to correct the FXN gene defect that’s associated with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) reversed several cellular features of the disease in patient-derived nerve cells, according to recent research. Scientists identified that dysfunction of a cellular compartment called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) might play a key role in…

Novel compound seen to ease heart muscle disease in FA models

Stealth Biotherapeutics’ investigational therapy SBT-589 showed protective effects against cell energy deficits and heart muscle disease across several preclinical models of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), including a mouse model of pronounced heart disease, according to new laboratory data. SBT-589 is designed to boost the activity of mitochondria — known…

FA likely marked by problems making mitochondrial proteins

A deficiency of frataxin, the protein whose lack causes Friedreich’s ataxia, leads to problems with mitochondrial translation — the molecular process by which new proteins are made in the mitochondria, the so-called powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production — according to a new study. The findings specifically…

Voyager selects gene therapy candidate for future clinical trials

Voyager Therapeutics has selected a lead gene therapy candidate to advance into clinical trials with the aim of correcting the genetic defect that causes Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). With this decision, which was made with Neurocrine Biosciences, the companies expect to begin clinical trials in 2025. “The nomination…