Launch of Sania Therapeutics Expected to Advance Development of Novel Therapeutics for Neural Circuit Dysfunction

Sania Therapeutics, a new UK-based startup focused on developing genetic medicines for neural circuit dysfunction, has launched itself from stealth mode at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) conference, held in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 16–20. On May 17, 2023, the company unveiled its suite of proprietary patented platforms at ASGCT.

The company’s technology combines the evolution of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) in human neural circuits—the fundamental components of the nervous system—with tuneable, conditionally activated ion channels. This combination permits breakthrough efficacy by correcting dysfunctional neural excitation, which unlocks a broad range of diseases both within and beyond neurology, according to a company press release.

The company’s foundational technology platforms were first developed at University College London. The launch at ASGCT follows the closing of a series seed financing. Proceeds from the seed financing have been applied to platform development, the advancement of a lead program in motor disorders, and the initiation of additional undisclosed programs that leverage the company’s platform capabilities.

Sania’s R-Scan platform enables human-centric precision delivery. R-Scan leverages the combination of microfluidics with a diverse population of human-induced pluripotent stem cells to recreate human neural circuits in a dish. This recreation in vitro enables directed evolution of human-centric AAVs. R-Scan is complemented by a second platform, called Gre-Scan, which is a novel and proprietary technology for the high throughput screening of gene regulatory elements.

Both R-Scan and Gre-Scan are combined with Neu-Scan, which facilitates tuneable genetic neuromodulation via testing and validation of the overexpression of conditionally activated ion channels. The company’s proof-of-concept data, which were presented at ASGCT, demonstrate that the Neu-Scan platform has identified ion channels, deliverable by AAV, that enable the treatment of dysfunctional neural excitation.

“We formed Sania with a simple yet powerful vision: to be the first in developing medicines that treat disorders of neural circuits selectively. Today we are excited to demonstrate proof-of-principle data and unveil our platforms,” said Andy Murray, CEO and co-founder of Sania Therapeutics, in the press release.

Source: Sania Therapeutics