Kriya to Present Three Studies at 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting

Kriya Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focusing on gene therapies for widespread ailments, has announced its participation at the 2024 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA. The company's gene therapy pipeline spans multiple therapeutic areas, including ophthalmology, metabolic disease, and neurology. Among their projects, KRIYA-825 is a notable adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy aimed at treating Geographic Atrophy, a significant cause of blindness in the elderly worldwide.

Kriya's Chief Scientific Officer, Michele Stone, Ph.D., expressed enthusiasm regarding the advancements in their gene therapy product for Geographic Atrophy. This therapy involves a CR2-CR1 fusion protein designed to suppress the activity of complement components C3 and C5, which are crucial therapeutic targets validated by existing FDA-approved treatments for Geographic Atrophy. Stone highlighted promising results from a biodistribution study in non-human primates. The study utilized a new delivery device to administer the AAV vector to the suprachoroidal space, showing potential for enhanced protein expression in the retinal cell layers while reducing intraocular inflammation.

The presentations at the ARVO meeting included three key abstracts:

1. Evaluation of AAV2 Biodistribution after Suprachoroidal Injection in NHPs Using a Novel Suprachoroidal Delivery Device System:
Scheduled for May 8, 2024, this presentation demonstrates that the novel device can deliver an AAV vector to the suprachoroidal space in non-human primates. The study achieved widespread coverage from the injection site to the posterior pole of the retina, including the macula and retina layers.

2. Investigating the Efficacy of AAV Mediated Expression of CR2-CR1 Fusion Protein, a Complement Inhibitor, in Ameliorating Retinal Degeneration in Mice:
This presentation, set for May 7, 2024, explores the effectiveness of AAV-mediated expression of the CR2-CR1 fusion protein in a mouse model of sodium iodate-induced retinal degeneration. The study found that the AAV.CR2-CR1 could preserve the photoreceptor-containing outer nuclear layer (ONL) in a dose-dependent manner.

3. Measurement of a Complement Inhibitory Protein Following AAV.CR2-CR1 Administration in a Retinal Degradation Model of Geographic Atrophy (GA):
Scheduled for May 6, 2024, this presentation discusses the development of an immunoassay to quantify the CR2-CR1 fusion protein and its impact on reducing complement fragment accumulation. This assay is essential for future pharmacology and toxicology studies, as well as clinical trials.

Kriya's program for Geographic Atrophy aims to develop KRIYA-825, a one-time gene therapy expressing a fusion protein to inhibit complement C3 and C5 activities. The goal is to slow down lesion growth and vision loss in Geographic Atrophy patients. Current treatments require frequent physician-administered intravitreal injections, which can be burdensome. KRIYA-825 aims to provide a more durable solution with a single in-office suprachoroidal injection.

In summary, Kriya Therapeutics is making significant progress in developing a one-time gene therapy for Geographic Atrophy. Their innovative approach aims at robust complement inhibition, long-term durability, and targeted delivery to retinal cells, potentially easing the treatment burden for patients. While KRIYA-825 has shown promise in preclinical studies, its clinical safety and efficacy have yet to be established.

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