Genetico (CGRM, MOEX: GECO) invests into Retinostar biotechnological startup developing advanced gene therapy drugs for treatment of genetic and age-related eye diseases.
Retinostar was established by Swiftgen to implement ophthalmogenetic activities. In 2023, Genetico and Swiftgen signed a contract on joint development of drugs in several clinical areas including ophthalmogenetics. Genetico plans further investment into development of ophthalmic drugs via this project company.
Retinostar developments are aimed at gene therapy of three diseases: X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease and wet age-related macular degeneration. Now there is no efficient treatment against these diseases. The drugs under development will be the first in this class.
Pursuant to the contract signed on March 25, 2025, Genetico's investment in Retinostar in the form of a convertible loan will be 20M rubles and will be used for validation of ophthalmic disease models and animal studies to select the most efficient candidate drugs as well as for the preparation for commencement of preclinical trials.
X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease are orphan diseases. Over 1.5 million patients in the world have retinitis pigmentosa. The frequency is 1:4,000. X-linked retinitis pigmentosa is one of the severe forms of retinitis pigmentosa. Men suffer from this disease. By the age of 40, most patients have poor vision, visual impairment, and difficulty performing everyday activities.
Stargardt disease is one of the most common forms of early retinal dystrophy. The frequency is 1:10,000. As the disease progresses, patients experience difficulties in performing routine activities: working on a computer, reading small text, driving a vehicle, and social communication.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease resulting from a complex interaction of environmental, genetic and epidemiological factors. The incidence rate increases with age from 4.2% in people aged 43–54 to 46.2% in people over 75. Wet AMD occurs in 15% of patients. It is characterized by severe progression. It causes significant vision deterioration or even loss.
Genetico Center (CGRM, MOEX: GECO) is a part of Artgen Biotech (MOEX: ABIO), Skolkovo resident, Medtech Technopark resident. The company conducts their business in medical genetics and genetic testing and implements the innovative solutions for diagnostics, prevention and treatment of genetic, oncological and other socially significant and orphan diseases into practical healthcare. In 2023, the company launched a new biotechnological activity — development of gene therapy drugs for treatment of orphan diseases. The trials focus on initial stages of candidate drug development for therapy of ophthalmological diseases, hereditary cardiomyopathies and neurodegenerative diseases.