In a significant update on October 24, 2024, VitaRNA/Artan Bio showcased continued advancement in their groundbreaking approach to treating genetic diseases and aging-related conditions. The project, initially funded by VitaDAO ($91k) and registered onchain as an IP-NFT, and subsequent $300k raised via IP tokenization, has reached several key milestones in developing tRNA suppressors targeting nonsense mutations.
Under the leadership of CEO Anthony Schwartz and CSO Michael Torres, the team has successfully identified and validated two promising lead candidates from their initial screening of 15 candidate oligos. Their innovative approach focuses on suppressing arginine nonsense mutations, particularly the CGA codon, which plays a crucial role in proteins associated with DNA damage, neurodegeneration, and tumor suppression.
A major development has been establishing a manufacturing partnership with Lonza, a world-renowned Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) known for its exceptional quality standards and regulatory compliance in gene therapy production. This collaboration ensures that VitaRNA's lead candidate, ARTAN-102, will be manufactured to the highest industry standards for preclinical and clinical studies.
Recent achievements include:
- Successful in vitro testing showing drug prototypes suppress arginine nonsense mutations in cancer cell lines with nonsense mutations in P53.
- Initiation of process development for both plasmid and viral vector manufacturing
- Progress in the optimization of production yields and purity
- Development of a comprehensive IP strategy and patent portfolio
Looking ahead, the project has outlined clear milestones with specific timelines:
Q4 2024:
- Complete initial process development with Lonza
- Finalize IP landscape review
Q1 2025:
- Launch the next funding round (estimated January 2025) through an additional IPT sale
- Begin scaled manufacturing runs of ARTAN-102
Q2-Q3 2025:
- Commence animal studies in disease-relevant models
- Present findings at scientific conferences
The team anticipates its next funding round in January 2025, which will be crucial for supporting upcoming animal studies and continued manufacturing development. This round is expected to be conducted through an additional IPT sale, with specific funding targets to be announced.
Watch the full update: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1djxXrvZzZyGZ
Learn more: http://vitarna.xyz
Join the community: http://t.me/vitarna
Coingecko: https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/vitarna
