AMT and Amgen claim that the GDNF gene contains the information to produce a protein necessary for the development and survival of nerve cells.
According to AMT, the positive effect of GDNF on nerve cells has already been demonstrated in early research. Studies with a GDNF gene therapy, AMT-090, in a parkinson’s disease model are being conducted by AMT in collaboration with the University of Lund, Sweden.
AMT also plans to combine the GDNF gene with its proprietary adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to develop gene therapies for a range of CNS applications, such as huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with an aim to protect and enhance the function of the affected nerve cells.
AMT CEO Jorn Aldag said that based on the promising early results of their GDNF gene therapy product in parkinson’s disease models, they believe there is an opportunity for a similar approach in other debilitating CNS disorders.
"This agreement will allow us to progress the program for parkinson’s disease forward and at the same time find a partner who will support the funding of our GDNF programs in alternative indications," Aldag said.