Circio Holding ASA (OSE:CRNA), a biotechnology company developing next generation circular RNA vector technology for gene therapy, announced on Wednesday that it has established technical in vivo proof-of-concept for its circVec circular RNA platform, demonstrating improved protein expression and durability compared to mRNA-based methods.

With a reinforced gene therapy focus, Circio aims to enhance treatments, particularly targeting Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) using AAV-based gene therapy. This genetic disease causes severe symptoms in the lung and liver, and there are currently no satisfactory therapeutic options available.

The company aims to secure the first circVec partnering deal within 12 months, driven by the platform's potential to enhance potency and reduce costs in gene therapy.