Avirmax Biopharma Inc, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation gene therapies for retina diseases, announced on Friday that it has started an Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies of ABI-201, a breakthrough gene therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration.

ABI-201 is a potential first-in-class AAV vector that delivers three genes to correct the dysregulation of complement activation, anti-inflammation, to protect retinal pigment epithelia and photoreceptors as well as to block retinal neovascularisation.

In vivo studies conducted across multiple animal species have demonstrated the anticipated biological functions of the therapeutic genes encoded by the ABI-201 vector.

Avirmax Biopharma anticipates submitting an IND application for ABI-201 in the fourth quarter of 2025. Pending regulatory clearance, the company plans to initiate phase 1/2a trials in patients with dry AMD shortly thereafter.