Genflow Biosciences (LSE:GENF) has reported interim results from its SLAB-VET-001 canine study evaluating its centenarian-derived SIRT6c gene therapy in aged Beagles.
The blinded study involves 24 dogs divided across four treatment arms and is evaluating SIRT6c delivered using either plasmid DNA or AAV8, with saline used as the control.
Genflow said the treatments were generally well tolerated, with no treatment-related serious adverse events or systemic inflammatory responses observed across the study arms at the interim assessment.
At Day 182, analysis of the study’s primary endpoint showed the largest mean reductions in epigenetic age among animals in the plasmid DNA treatment groups. The company said most dogs receiving plasmid DNA had lower biological ages compared with their respective baseline measurements.
However, differences between the treatment groups and the control group did not reach statistical significance at this stage of the study.
Histological analysis indicated preserved muscle structure and signs of activated muscle regeneration in treated animals, according to Genflow. Ultrasound assessments also indicated greater increases in muscle mass in the high-dose plasmid DNA and AAV8 groups.
Based on the interim findings, Genflow has selected intravenous plasmid DNA as its lead delivery method for the veterinary SIRT6c programme.
The company has also extended the study to include a Day 320 assessment, providing a longer follow-up period for evaluating the treatment.
Genflow said it is considering potential commercialisation options for the veterinary programme, including an asset sale or a risk-sharing licensing agreement with animal health companies.
More about Genflow Biosciences
Genflow Biosciences Plc is a biotechnology company developing gene therapies targeting biological processes associated with ageing.
Its programmes are based on SIRT6c, a variant of the SIRT6 gene identified in centenarians. The company is developing SIRT6c for human applications using mRNA-LNP delivery, including programmes targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and ophthalmology, alongside its veterinary programme in ageing dogs.
Genflow is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the U.S. OTCQB market.
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