Viralgen and Trogenix advance glioblastoma gene therapy

Viralgen, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has entered into a collaboration with biotech firm Trogenix to expedite the production of an innovative gene therapy aimed at combatting glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer. This partnership has facilitated the rapid scaling and production of a good manufacturing practice (GMP) trial batch of Trogenix’s TGX-007 within a timeframe of less than a year, effectively paving the way for its inclusion in a first-in-human (FIH) trial specifically targeting glioblastoma.

Central to Viralgen’s contribution is not only its manufacturing capabilities but also its development of a specialized gene-specific titration method and a custom-formulated buffer designed to serve as a diluent during drug administration. These advancements are critical steps in progressing Trogenix’s gene therapy. According to Trogenix CEO Ken Macnamara, the company’s mission is to revolutionize cancer treatment, shifting the paradigm from chronic disease management to potentially curative one-time therapies. By partnering with Viralgen, Trogenix aims to swiftly scale up product supply and deliver the therapy to patients in need as quickly as possible.

Trogenix’s proprietary platform, Odysseus, is engineered to develop precision genetic medicines by targeting specific disease cell states. With the first GMP batch of Trogenix’s recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector having been successfully produced at Viralgen’s facility, the gene therapy is now on track to advance into clinical evaluation stages. Viralgen’s expertise in rAAV vector production and its capability to scale operations allows it to effectively support and accelerate essential clinical therapeutic programs. Viralgen CEO Jimmy Vanhove expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Trogenix’s pioneering approach in oncology gene therapy, which holds promise for potentially curative outcomes not only for glioblastoma but also for various other types of cancer.

Established in 2017 as a subsidiary of AskBio within the Bayer group, Viralgen is committed to accelerating the development of AAV-based therapies. The company utilizes the Pro10 suspension manufacturing platform, which enables high titers across all AAV serotypes, thereby enhancing production efficiency. Viralgen also offers services that facilitate the transition from clinical-scale manufacturing to commercial-scale production.

Furthermore, in January 2025, Viralgen revealed plans to establish a partnership with Axovia Therapeutics. This collaboration aims to advance the development and manufacturing of an AAV9-based gene therapy targeting retinal dystrophy in individuals affected by Bardet-Biedl syndrome due to mutations in the BBS1 gene. This partnership highlights Viralgen’s broader commitment to addressing significant medical challenges through innovative gene therapies.

The collaboration between Viralgen and Trogenix represents a significant step forward in the development of transformative therapies for challenging diseases like glioblastoma. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, both companies are poised to make significant contributions to the field of oncology gene therapy, potentially changing the landscape of cancer treatment and offering new hope to patients battling this devastating disease.