Purespring Therapeutics is at the forefront of developing innovative gene therapies specifically targeting kidney diseases, particularly those affecting the glomeruli, such as IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Their lead program, PS-002, utilizes an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy platform designed to deliver therapeutic genetic material directly to podocytes, the specialized cells crucial for kidney function. Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated that PS-002 can effectively modulate complement activation, a key factor in the progression of IgAN, leading to significant improvements in kidney morphology and function in animal models. This targeted approach not only aims to halt the progression of kidney diseases but also seeks to provide a new treatment modality for a range of genetic and non-genetic glomerular conditions.

The Purespring platform is distinguished by its ability to deliver genetic material with high efficiency and specificity to podocytes, minimizing the required dosage and enhancing patient safety. This proprietary technology includes a capsid engineered for podocyte tropism, which facilitates the targeted delivery of gene therapies. By focusing on the underlying mechanisms of kidney diseases, Purespring aims to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from chronic kidney conditions, offering hope for disease-modifying therapies that could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

United Kingdom

Purespring, which launched in November 2020 with £45 million of funding from Syncona Ltd, is the first company to be directly targeting the podocyte, a specialized kidney cell implicated in many kidney diseases, through AAV gene therapy. This approach is based on the work of Professor Moin Saleem, Professor of Paediatric Renal Medicine at the University of Bristol, where he heads a world leading group researching glomerular diseases. 

Purespring Therapeutics

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