Enzyme Replacement Therapy for GM1 Gangliosidosis Lysosomal Rare Disease

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this proposal is to develop an effective enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for patients suffering from GM1 Gangliosidosis by integrating a novel protein fusion ERT cell delivery strategy under development atBioStrategies LC and by exploiting safety, supply, and cost advantages of new plant-based enzyme therapeutics bio-manufacturing systems. GM1 Gangliosidosis is a rare genetic lysosomal storage disorder affecting less than 200,000 people in the U.S. It is caused by a defect in the gene encoding the enzyme ?-galactosidase and is characterized by progressive degeneration of normal childhood development especially in brain function leading to death at an early age. Current treatment options are limited to management of disease symptoms and development of an effective ERT drug has been hindered by challenges of delivering these drugs to the brain and central nervous system. This research project is a collaboration between BioStrategies LC, a company focused