SANGAMO BIOSCIENCES FILES IND APPLICATION FOR ZFP THERAPEUTIC TO TREAT DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Sangamo BioSciences has submitted an investigational new drug application to the FDA for SB-509, a novel therapeutic designed to protect and stimulate the regeneration of peripheral nerve function in diabetics suffering from peripheral neuropathy.

SB-509 is an injectable formulation of plasmid DNA that encodes a zinc finger DNA-binding protein transcription factor, designed to upregulate the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) gene. VEGF-A has been demonstrated to have direct neuroproliferative, neuroregenerative and neuroprotective properties. In preclinical animal efficacy studies, SB-509 has proven effective in protecting motor and sensory nerve function in a diabetic model and in stimulating nerve regeneration.