Laverock Therapeutics to Showcase New Data on Expanding Gene-Silencing Platform at ESGCT 2024
Following recent advancements in its gene-silencing technology, UK-based Laverock Therapeutics is set to present new data at the European Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ESGCT) Conference in Rome, from 22-25 October 2024. This presentation builds on earlier progress detailed in September, where the company demonstrated the scalability and broad applicability of its GEiGS platform, which harnesses reprogrammed microRNAs to silence multiple genes with precision and stability.
Laverock’s team, led by COO Tom Payne, will share three posters that focus on the application of its gene-silencing platform in oncology, specifically using CAR T cells and tumour microenvironment (TME)-responsive macrophages. The posters will highlight:
- P: 0653 – GEiGS technology’s role in transforming advanced therapies through programmable gene silencing.
- P: 0694 – Multiplex CAR T cells engineered with GEiGS for simultaneous gene silencing.
- P: 0780 – TME-responsive macrophages developed using GEiGS for solid tumor immunotherapy.
These presentations will emphasize the platform's ability to silence genes in a tunable, stable, and specific manner, addressing key targets in oncology. The technology enables multiplex gene silencing, allowing multiple pathways to be modulated in a single step, which is essential for complex therapeutic applications.
Laverock’s platform has seen significant expansion in recent months, as previously reported. The company has scaled up its gene-silencing screening capacity, now capable of evaluating 6,000 RNA designs per target—compared to just 20 designs in early 2023.
Previous vs. new validation throughput. Source: Laverock Therapeutics
These advancements have been bolstered by increased automation in gene editing and cell line development, boosting throughput by tenfold. This enhanced capacity supports ongoing in-house therapeutic development, as well as potential partnerships in areas such as fibrosis, inflammation, and regenerative medicine.
COO Tom Payne on the Technology:
"Over the last year, we've demonstrated the unique capabilities of our platform in human cells, allowing us to silence genes in a programmable, tunable, stable, and highly specific manner. These features are essential for developing safer, more targeted cell therapies."
Cover photo: rarrarorro
Topics: Novel Therapeutics
