Avirmax Biopharma Inc, a developer of next-generation of AAV gene therapies, announced on Monday that it has completed the first cohort of the Phase I/IIa clinical trial of ABI-110, the company's gene therapy drug for the treatment of Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), including Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PCV).

Wet AMD and PCV are serious retinal diseases that can lead to severe vision loss. Current treatments often require frequent injections and provide only temporary relief.

According to Avirmax Biopharma, ABI-110 has the potential to offer a more durable and effective solution by addressing the root causes of these conditions at the genetic level. It uses the company's proprietary engineered capsid, AAV.N54 to deliver therapeutic transgene to the macular retina. AAV.N54 is the only engineered capsid to deliver macula-targeted gene expression via intravitreal injection.

Shawn Liu, PhD, Avirmax Biopharma CEO, said: "We are thrilled to announce this significant milestone in the clinical investigation of ABI-110. ABI-110 has the potential to revolutionise the treatment landscape for Wet AMD and PCV."