RhyGaze AG is pioneering a novel gene therapy aimed at restoring vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases, specifically targeting cone cells, which are crucial for high acuity vision. The company’s innovative approach utilizes cone optogenetics, a technique that involves delivering a new light-sensor gene directly to cone cells that have lost their sensitivity to light due to various diseases. This gene therapy aims to repair the ability of these cells to detect light, potentially revolutionizing treatment options for individuals facing vision loss.

The company has successfully raised CHF 10 million in seed funding, co-led by BioGeneration Ventures and the Novartis Venture Fund, to advance its gene therapy towards human clinical trials. RhyGaze AG is a spin-out from the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), where researchers and clinicians collaborate to enhance the understanding of vision and develop new therapies. The funding will be utilized to transition the gene therapy to a third-party manufacturing organization and conduct necessary studies to initiate clinical trials, marking a significant step forward in the biotech ecosystem of the Basel area.

Switzerland

RhyGaze AG is pioneering a transformative approach with cone optogenetics, which has the potential to revolutionize vision restoration for patients suffering from blindness.

RhyGaze AG

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