'RZ-004' Approved by OGTR in Australia... Plans to expand clinical development countries in the future

Rznomics (CEO Seong-wook Lee) has announced on January 16th that it has received approval for the review of the phase 1 clinical trial for ‘RZ-004’ in Australia, a therapeutic candidate for genetic retinal diseases, including Retinitis Pigmentosa. The review is being conducted by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) in Australia.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a rare and incurable genetic retinal disorder where visual cells progressively deteriorate, leading to a narrowing field of vision and eventual vision loss. It occurs globally at a rate of approximately 1 out of every 3,500 to 4000 people.

‘RZ-004’ aims to eliminate mutated Rhodopsin RNA by using ‘Trans-splcing ribozyme’, a RNA correction platform technology owned by Rznomics. Notably, Rznomics explains that its technology can correct over 150 different known mutations with a single therapeutic agent.

Sung-woo Hong, the Head of Development at Rznomics, stated, “Australia possesses elements conducive to the early clinical development of genetic ocular diseases, such as an excellent healthcare system, medical expertise, patient numbers, patient compliance and regulatory support.” He further mentioned plans to expand clinical development to the United States and Europe, with Australia as the starting point.

 

Seong-wook Lee, the CEO of Rznomics, emphasized the significance of ‘RZ-004’ by highlighting the lack of approved treatments and the scarcity of ongoing therapeutic developments for the targeted condition. He expressed the company’s commitment to providing treatment opportunities for patients suffering from diseases and enhancing their quality of life through swift development efforts.