Genethon and WhiteLab Genomics have entered into a partnership agreement, which will allow them to further develop their work in artificial intelligence and gene therapy. Within the terms of the agreements, Genetech will utilize WhiteLab Genomics’ CatalystTM platform to create new vectors, a necessary player within gene therapy.

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy has had major success in treating both rare and common diseases that had previously been considered incurable. A number of these treatments have recent market authorization from the FDA. Despite all of this success, gene therapy commonly encounters obstacles. 

Many therapies utilize adeno-associated viruses (AAV), which result in a number of problems. Firstly, these viruses have a difficult time targeting specific things, and secondly, 30%-40% of the population is naturally immunized against them. Because of these issues, gene therapies require a high volume of vectors. 

In order to address these issues, artificial intelligence is used as a deciding factor for not only solving these problems but producing optimized vectors as well. These vectors can then better target what they need to, allowing for lower dosage and maximum effect. 

Artificial Intelligence as a Solution

Research teams at Genethon plan to utilize WhiteLab’s CatalystTM platform to accelerate certain programs. Using Machine Learning algorithms, this platform is able to create enhanced vectors, especially in regards to precision. 

Dr. Ronzitti, who is managing the new partnership agreement, has stated that the companies aim to develop treatments for neuromuscular disorders. As many of these conditions face an unmet medical need, this partnership is a step in the right direction for new treatments. 

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