Neurogene Joins Russell 3000 Index

Neurogene Inc. (Nasdaq: NGNE), a clinical-stage company focused on developing genetic medicines for rare neurological diseases, has announced its addition to the Russell 3000® Index, effective at the start of U.S. equity markets on Monday, July 1, 2024. This inclusion is part of the annual reconstitution of the Russell indexes, which ranks the 4,000 largest U.S. stocks based on market capitalization as of April 30, 2024. Neurogene’s inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index will continue for one year. The company has also been added to the Russell 2000® Index and the Russell Microcap® Index.

Rachel McMinn, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Neurogene, expressed pride in the company's achievements, especially within the first six months of being publicly traded. McMinn emphasized the company's commitment to advancing its clinical programs and highlighted the upcoming interim clinical efficacy data release for the low-dose cohort of the NGN-401 gene therapy trial for Rett syndrome, expected in the fourth quarter of this year. She also mentioned recent progress in the NGN-401 program, including its selection for the FDA’s START Pilot Program aimed at accelerating clinical development and a positive safety update at the recent IRSF ASCEND Scientific Meeting.

Russell indexes are extensively used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. As of the end of December 2023, approximately $10.5 trillion in assets were benchmarked against the Russell U.S. indexes, which are managed by FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider.

Neurogene’s mission is to develop treatments for severe neurological diseases, aiming to improve the lives of patients and their families affected by these rare conditions. The company is focused on innovating and developing treatments to overcome the limitations of traditional gene therapy methods, particularly for central nervous system disorders. This involves optimizing delivery methods to ensure maximum distribution to target tissues and designing treatments to enhance potency and purity, thereby improving efficacy and safety profiles. Neurogene’s proprietary EXACT transgene regulation platform technology enables the delivery of therapeutic levels while minimizing transgene toxicity often associated with conventional gene therapies.

The company has also established a state-of-the-art gene therapy manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, where CGMP production of NGN-401 has been conducted. This facility is expected to support pivotal clinical development activities for Neurogene’s therapies.

In summary, Neurogene’s recent inclusion in prominent Russell indexes reflects its significant progress and achievements in the field of genetic medicines for rare neurological diseases. The company continues to focus on advancing its clinical programs, with key milestones anticipated in the near future.