PARACRINE GENE THERAPY
Renova Therapeutics’ proprietary treatments are based on a novel approach that introduces therapeutic genes capable of enabling the body’s cells to work normally. This single-IV injection approach is a foundation for products that may bring about permanent improvements in a variety of chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Gene transfer of peptides with beneficial paracrine activity is a novel approach. This approach involves sustained activity following intravenous delivery of the vector, which then is taken up in cells, which then secretes the synthesized peptide in the blood and exerts its beneficial effects on target organs from a distance.
Gene transfer of peptides with beneficial paracrine activity has been demonstrated to improve function of the failing heart in animal models of congestive heart failure (both HFrEF and HFpEF), type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and age-associated heart dysfunction. In proof-of-concept studies, after insulin resistance (analogous to clinical type 2 diabetes) was established in animal models, a single dose of the vector encoding Ucn2 normalized measures of glucose metabolism. Hyperglycemic mice that received Ucn2 gene transfer had enduring normalization of glucose disposal and increased insulin sensitivity.
In similar protocols in which animals were dosed initially prior to being fed a high-fat diet, treated animals did not develop type 2 diabetes–indicating that the presence of Ucn2 in plasma can potentially prevent insulin resistance in this model.
Gene transfer of peptides with beneficial paracrine activity is a foundation for products that bring about enduring improvements in function of the failing heart and restores insulin sensitivity in animal models of diabetes. It also unlocks the potential for treatment of other chronic diseases, including pulmonary hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity.
Learn more about RT-200 for type 2 diabetes here: https://renovatherapeutics.com/therapies/rt-200-urocortin-2-gene-transfer/