Genetico (MOEX: GECO) is investing in a biotechnology startup, Cardiogenex, which is developing gene therapy treatments for hereditary heart diseases.
Cardiogenex's R&D efforts are focused on gene therapy for cardiac muscle pathologies (cardiomyopathies): Danon disease (CDX001), MYBPC3-associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (CDX002), and hereditary and sporadic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (CDX003). Currently, there are no effective treatments for these diseases.
Genetico's investment in Cardiogenex will amount to RUB 50 million and will be directed toward validating cardiomyopathy disease models, conducting animal studies to select the most effective drug candidates, and preparing for the initiation of preclinical studies.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common cardiovascular pathologies. The disease is characterized by thickening of the heart walls, which can lead to serious complications, including arrhythmia and heart failure. According to recent studies, there are approximately 730,000 people suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Russian Federation. This disease represents a serious medical problem, as in 60% of cases it is hereditary.
According to Russian Federal State Statistics Service, the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases in 2022 accounted for 43.8% of the total mortality rate in the country.
Existing drugs provide only symptomatic effects, while surgical methods are invasive and have limitations in their application. The development of innovative drugs for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a critically important task, as it will save patients' lives, improve their quality of life, reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and significantly advance the understanding of the mechanisms of disease development.
Genetico Center (MOEX: GECO) is part of the Artgen Biotech Group (MOEX: ABIO) and a resident of MedTech Technopark. The Company operates in the field of medical genetics and genetic research, implementing innovative solutions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of genetic, oncological, and other socially significant and orphan diseases into healthcare practice. In 2023, the company launched a new biotechnology direction — the development of gene therapy drugs for the treatment of orphan diseases. Research is focused on the early stages of developing drug candidates for the treatment of eye diseases, hereditary cardiomyopathies, and neurodegenerative diseases.