Biotechnology company Circio Holding ASA (OSE:CRNA) on Thursday reported new in vivo data showing that its AAV-circVec 4.0 platform achieved up to 50-fold higher gene expression in the eye versus conventional mRNA-based AAV following local delivery, establishing ophthalmology as a new development focus.

The data also showed a 10-fold expression advantage at a 90% lower dose, supporting the platform's potential to increase potency, reduce toxicity, and lower costs for gene therapies targeting genetic and degenerative eye diseases.

In cardiac applications, previously reported 40-fold expression gains were reproduced, with ex vivo analyses showing circVec expression in 80% of heart cells after low-dose systemic AAV delivery, validating the durability advantage of circular RNA over mRNA.

Separately, Circio raised NOK68.6m (approximately USD7m) in a 50% oversubscribed rights issue and private placements in Q1 2026 to accelerate circVec R&D, with attached warrants exercisable in June 2026 potentially extending funding into the second half of 2027.