Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) Platform

GenSight Biologics’ proprietary MTS platform is designed to address defects in the mitochondrial genome by extending the reach of gene therapy beyond the cell nucleus. This technology, currently being applied to vision loss, may open a new therapeutic pathway for mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mitochondrial-Targeted Gene Therapy

The Challenge:

Mutations affecting the mitochondrial genome impair the function of the mitochondria, the organelles essential to cellular energy production. Because mitochondrial DNA is distinct from nuclear DNA, these mutations escape conventional gene therapy approaches, which are primarily designed to target the cell nucleus.

The Solution:

GenSight’s gene therapy delivers a gene to the cell nucleus, where it is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA). Our MTS technology shuttles the mRNA to the mitochondrial surface, where the functional protein needed to restore cellular energy is synthesized and translocated into the mitochondria.

GS010: Our Lead MTS Program

GS010 is GenSight Biologics’ MTS-enhanced product candidate targeting ND4-LHON, the most common form of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a severe inherited blinding disease and the world’s most prevalent mitochondrial condition. Caused by a mutation in the mitochondrial ND4 gene, the disease leads to the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and, consequently, to rapid and irreversible vision loss. GS010 aims to restore mitochondrial function and rescue vision.

GS010/LUMEVOQ® has not been granted marketing authorization in any country and is not commercially available.

The excerpts below are drawn from third-party sources and reflect the views of their authors alone.

“Currently, allotopic expression of specific functional mtDNA in the nucleus, combined with modified mRNA encoding to ensure mitochondrial targeting, remains the approach closest to clinical translation in this field.”

Potential Applications

Mitochondrial Diseases

Central Nervous System Disorders

Neurodegenerative Disorders

Pipeline

Learn more about the clinical development of GS010,
our MTS-enhanced product candidate

A New Chapter

Founded in 2012 to realize the potential of gene therapy, GenSight Biologics has grown into a clinical-stage company advancing multiple programs. In 2024, under a new management team, the company entered a new phase and is now accelerating its clinical and regulatory activities.

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GenSight Biologics S.A.
74 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine
75012 Paris
France