Sep 10-12, 2024— the 5th Annual Gene Therapy for Ophthalmic Disorders Summit was held in Boston, USA. Dr. Zhong-Dong Shi, Executive Director, head of R&D, Frontera Therapeutics, was invited to participate in discussion on “Optimizing Capsid Design & Vector Engineering for Ophthalmic Gene Therapy” and gave a keynote address on “Novel AAV Capsids for Suprachoroidal Delivery”.
Suprachoroidal delivery is a novel mode of drug administration to the posterior segment of the eye. The pre-conference workshop focused on the potential advantages, limitations, and challenges of this delivery modality in ophthalmic gene therapy.
At the formal meeting, Dr. Shi focused on sharing the progress and results of novel capsid design for suprachoroidal delivery. Frontera Therapeutics uses innovative methods to screen new AAV capsids based on transduction efficiency, tissue specificity, and other desired properties. Specific suprachoroidal capsid with great manufacturability can be selected based on each specific indication to ensure efficient and safe gene delivery.
“Capsids are the cornerstone of targeted gene delivery, and advanced capsid design and screening technology platforms will facilitate gene therapy products entering the clinical stage and further commercialization more efficiently and safely”, Dr. Shi said.
Representatives from 4D Molecular Therapeutics, REGENXBIO, Kriya, Ocugen, Dyno and many other companies also participated in the conference. Everyone had full exchanges of their opinions and deep discussion on the progress and key issues in the field of ophthalmic gene therapy.