Dong-A ST announced Friday that it has signed an agreement with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass) to collaborate on adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy targeting chronic inflammatory diseases.

Under the agreement, UMass will transduce genes into AAVs, and UMass and Dong-A ST will screen the AAVs for efficacy. The selected AAV candidates will then be evaluated for efficacy in animal models.

AAV serves as a viral vector used for gene delivery. AAV is known for its exceptional stability, minimal immune response, and non-pathogenic nature, distinguishing it from other viral vectors. Presently, numerous global pharmaceutical companies are racing to advance AAV-based gene therapies, with over 250 ongoing clinical trials in progress.

Dong-A S&T is focusing its R&D capabilities on gene therapy drugs targeting immune system diseases by utilizing its strengths in the synthetic drug sector. Starting with this gene therapy collaboration, the company plans to develop more innovative gene therapies in the long term.

"We are very excited to collaborate with researchers at UMass, a world-class institution in the field of AAV research and development," said Park Jae-hong, Dong-A ST R&D General Manager. "We will do our best to develop innovative new drugs for chronic inflammatory diseases by focusing our R&D capabilities and working closely together, and lay the foundation for leading future-oriented R&D in the field of gene therapy.."