Collaboration announced to develop gene therapy for Parkinson’s

Gene control company, Synpromics, has revealed its collaboration with University College London (UCL) for the generation of a range of synthetic gene promotors for the central nervous system (CNS) to develop a therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

This collaborative project will involve the development of novel gene promotors that specifically control the expression of therapeutic genes in different sub-populations of neurones. Initially, UCL will use these gene switches to develop a gene-therapy-based approach that can be used in the treatment of Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease.

“Tightly controlling the therapeutic gene is an essential element in the development of any successful gene therapy and Synpromics’ technology offers the best means to achieve that control,” explained Dr Michael Roberts, founder and chief scientific officer of Synpromics. “This collaboration will allow the company to develop a gene therapy approach for a largely unmet clinical need, where tight gene control is an absolute requirement. It also gives us the opportunity to work with UCL, one of the few world-leading institutions actively developing novel gene-based therapies.”

“We are delighted to be working with the leaders in gene control, Synpromics, to develop gene therapy for Young-Onset Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is the second most common untreatable progressive brain disease and novel therapeutic approaches are required. This collaboration allows us to develop tailor-made gene therapy vectors for untreatable brain disorders,” commented Dr Simon Waddington (UCL Institute for Women's Health).

The collaboration is expected to last over 24 months with work being split equally between the two partners.