- Andelyn Biosciences has partnered with South Korean biotechnology company Celliaz to advance CLZ002, an investigational adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
- Andelyn will provide end-to-end development and manufacturing services using its proprietary AAV Curator® Suspension Platform, supporting the program through IND-enabling development and toward a planned Phase 1/2 clinical trial.
Andelyn Biosciences, a US-based cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has entered into a strategic partnership with South Korean biotechnology company Celliaz to advance CLZ002, an investigational AAV-based gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Andelyn will provide development and manufacturing services using its proprietary AAV Curator® Suspension Platform.
CLZ002 uses an AAV2 capsid and is designed to address RP through a different approach from gene-specific therapies. Celliaz aims to prevent the transfer of PROX1 into Müller glia, retinal cells that retain regenerative potential. The company is developing the therapy to restore the retina’s intrinsic regenerative capacity, with the potential to address RP caused by a range of genetic mutations.
RP comprises a group of inherited retinal diseases that cause progressive vision loss and affect more than 3 million people worldwide. According to Celliaz, mutations in more than 90 genes can cause the condition, making it challenging to develop gene-specific treatments that could benefit a broad patient population.
The collaboration will combine Celliaz’s therapeutic development approach with Andelyn’s AAV development and manufacturing capabilities, including its experience in ophthalmology and rare disease programs. Celliaz plans to advance CLZ002 through IND-enabling development and toward a Phase 1/2 clinical trial.
