WAYNE, PA, and TULLINGE, Sweden — XyloCor Therapeutics, Inc. recently secured licensing rights to the Extroducer® Infusion Catheter System from SmartWise. This innovative device is set to revolutionize the delivery of XyloCor’s lead gene therapy candidate, XC001, by offering a less invasive method to target heart tissues.
Al Gianchetti, President and CEO of XyloCor, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “This agreement with SmartCella will enable XyloCor to build upon its robust foundation of efficacy and safety data for XC001 by offering the potential for improved safety and ease of delivery without surgery via this novel catheter,” he said.
XC001 aims to treat refractory angina by promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the heart. Traditionally, this gene therapy required surgical administration. With the Extroducer system, XyloCor can now deliver XC001 directly to the heart using a catheter-based approach, reducing the risks associated with surgery.
Timothy D. Henry, MD, an interventional cardiologist, highlighted the benefits of the new delivery method. “Preclinical models provide strong evidence that this approach will maintain, or even improve the efficacy when compared to surgical delivery and it should lower the risk of complications that may arise from surgical administration,” he noted.
The Extroducer system’s integration into clinical trials marks a significant advancement for XyloCor’s therapy. The recently concluded EXACT Phase 1/2 trial demonstrated that XC001 could be safely administered, showing durable improvements in exercise duration and angina frequency. Impressively, six months post-treatment, 43% of patients reported no chest pain during daily activities.
The upcoming Phase 2b trial will further evaluate the safety and efficacy of XC001 delivered via the Extroducer catheter in patients with coronary artery disease and refractory angina.
Niklas Prager, CEO of SmartCella, expressed optimism about the collaboration. “The collaboration underscores the transformative potential of the Extroducer in delivering XC001 therapy for patients with refractory angina. A great example of a powerful combination of delivery system and drug therapy representing a substantial advancement in treatment options,” he stated.
Under the agreement, XyloCor gains global rights to use the Extroducer for XC001 administration. SmartCella will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments, and royalties, with the deal valued at approximately $130 million. This partnership aims to expand the reach and impact of XC001, offering new hope to patients with limited treatment options.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.