The Moscow Center for Genetic Reprogramming and Gene Therapy has developed a domestic drug for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This was stated in a message from the government press service following a meeting of the council for the implementation of the federal program for the development of genetic technologies.
“For the first time, the center’s scientists have synthesized patent-pure serotypes of adeno-associated viruses in the form of genes and obtained them in the form of viral particles. The result opens up new opportunities for the development of effective and safe gene therapy drugs, including for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. The center has also developed a drug for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, and preclinical studies are planned to begin,” the statement said. No further details are provided.
As noted by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, who chaired the meeting, the second stage of the implementation of the genetic technology development program began this year. In April, following a competition, five new participants were selected, including the Center for Genetic Reprogramming, each of which was allocated 300 million rubles.
In particular, the Center for Biological Safety and Technological Independence allocated funds to study a promising class of agents against superbugs—capsular polysaccharide depolymerases. “The result of the work indicates the potential for saving patients with sepsis, where antibiotics are often powerless,” the government noted.
In turn, scientists from the Center for High-Precision Genetic Technologies for Medicine obtained an echovirus-1 strain with increased oncolytic activity against melanoma and breast cancer and an improved safety profile. Oncolytic viruses, capable of selectively damaging tumor cells, open up new opportunities for targeted therapy and reduced treatment toxicity.
The Center for Predictive Genetics, Pharmacogenetics, and Personalized Therapy has formed diagnostic panels for selecting individualized therapy for patients with cardiovascular and oncological diseases, pain syndromes, depression, and mental disorders, as well as for treating a number of diseases in children. “All panels are specific to the population of the Russian Federation, which distinguishes them from foreign analogues,” the statement notes.
