The biotech named Pam Stetkiewicz, PhD, as CEO and plans to file an IND (application to begin human trials) for lead program LYA-101 within the next 18 months.
Lyora Therapeutics launched on July 14 with $2.5 million in pre-seed funding, a leadership team led by Chief Executive Officer Pam Stetkiewicz, PhD, and a pipeline of genetic medicines aimed at inherited retinal diseases with no available treatments. The company said it has acquired advanced pre-clinical assets and will optimize them before moving them through the clinic. Its lead candidate, LYA-101, targets retinitis pigmentosa linked to pathogenic variants in the PRPF31 gene by augmenting PRPF31 expression. A second program, LYA-102, is being developed for Usher Syndrome Type 2 using optimized CRISPR (gene-editing technology) to address mutations in exon 13 of the USH2A gene, and the company said it may also have potential as a therapeutic option for hearing loss. Editas Medicine granted Lyora an exclusive option to license certain rights related to USH2A gene editing. Lyora said all of its pipeline products are supported by existing pre-clinical proof-of-concept data and are intended as “one-and-done” therapies delivered locally with the potential to stop disease progression and, in some cases, improve vision. The company plans to submit an IND for LYA-101 within the next 18 months, with LYA-102 following closely behind.