BIOSTRATEGIES LC AWARDED NTSAD GRANT TO DEVELOP AN ENZYME THERAPEUTIC FOR GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
JONESBORO, AR - 
(NewMediaWire) - November 10, 2014 - BioStrategies LC, developers
of plant-derived therapeutics and enzyme replacement therapeutics (ERT) for
rare lysosomal diseases, announced today that the company has been awarded a
two-year research grant from the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association
(NTSAD) to develop a central nervous system-targeted
enzyme replacement therapy for GM1 gangliosidosis.
GM1 gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disease caused by an inherited gene defect that prevents the breakdown of certain complex lipids, which then accumulate to pathological levels, particularly in cells of the central nervous system. The disease is marked by progressive neurodegeneration
The research will also determine the feasibility of BioStrategies’ plant-based bioproduction platform for this complex protein drug. Plants bring key advantages in safety and the speed and cost of large-scale production of complex human proteins.
The principal investigators on the project are Drs. David N. Radin (lead) and Carole L. Cramer from BioStrategies, and GM1 gangliosidosis expert, Dr. Alessandra d’Azzo, of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
About NTSAD
National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association (NTSAD) is one of the oldest patient advocacy groups in the country. NTSAD focuses on supporting research and the needs of over 500 families and individuals worldwide in several ways, including raising awareness to prevent disease. Their programs and services includes providing comprehensive support services to affected families through their Peer Support Group. The NTSAD research support program aims to direct, fund and promote promising research to develop treatments and cures. NTSAD also offers educational and awareness programs directly and through collaborations with other rare disease programs and community partners. On a broader front, the association advocates for families and persons of all ages with disabilities on an individual, state and national level.
About BioStrategies
BioStrategies LC is a biotech company focused on the development of innovative protein-based therapeutics for human health and veterinary applications. The company has received multiple grant awards from NIH and other federal and state agencies and received the prestigious SBA Tibbett’s Award in 2012 for innovative research excellence in the national Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR). This award recognized the company’s pioneering research to develop novel enzyme replacement therapeutic (ERT) technology, which employs biotechnology approaches for production of the human enzyme in a safe, low cost plant-based production system for the rare genetic condition, Gaucher’s Disease. This innovative technology was the foundation for FDA approval in 2012 of a new plant-produced ERT drug for Gaucher’s, Elelyso, that was taken through clinical trials and is marketed worldwide by a partnership between Pfizer and Protalix. Building on this success, the first plant-produced biologic drug to receive FDA approval. BioStrategies’ new lectin-based ERT fusion protein delivery system is designed to increase the effectiveness of ERT drugs by more efficiently delivering them to cells and tissues of the body that are not treated adequately by existing drugs. The grant award to BioStrategies from NTSAD will be complemented by another recently approved grant for GM1 research by NIH/NINDS. These studies are being conducted at the preclinical stage in animal models of this disease.
Contacts:
David Radin, Ph.D.
Managing Director
BioStrategies LC
870-8978-7310
www.biostrategies-lc.com
Susan Kahn
Executive Director
National Tay Sachs & Allied Diseases Association
617-277.4463
www.ntsad.org
