Genflow Biosciences Ltd (LSE:GENF, OTCQB:GENFF, FRA:WQ5) CEO, Dr Eric Leire, talked with Proactive about encouraging results from the SLAB (Sarcopenia and Longevity in Aged Beagles) trial, highlighting sustained efficacy and safety following treatment.
Leire explained that one of the most significant findings is the durability of the therapy’s effects. Even three months after stopping treatment, the benefits observed in the dogs have been maintained.
He noted, "We stopped administration three months ago... and that's exactly what we see, both in terms of safety and in terms of efficacy." This persistence is a key milestone for gene therapy, as it could shift treatment from a repeated or chronic approach to a potential one-time intervention.
The durability of response also has broader implications for other indications Genflow Biosciences Ltd is pursuing. Leire indicated that the results support expectations for similar long-lasting effects in future applications, including MASH.
While clinical endpoints are already showing promising outcomes, the company is awaiting additional data from blood analyses and biopsies to complement these findings.
These results could further validate the therapy’s impact, including potential reductions in biological age. The existing data has already enabled early discussions with animal health companies regarding potential partnerships.
Proactive: Eric, very good to speak with you. The results in three months look encouraging. But what's actually changing in these dogs day to day that tells you the therapy's working?
Dr Eric Leire: What we notice now is the duration of effect. We stopped administration three months ago, and it was important to see if the benefit we noticed at the end of treatment would be maintained. That's exactly what we see, both in terms of safety and in terms of efficacy. So it's very good news.
Proactive: You mentioned persistence of effects. Why is durability such a critical piece of the puzzle for a gene therapy like this?
Dr Eric Leire: It changes everything because for the customer, it could be one therapy where you gain long-term benefit, rather than a chronic treatment. In terms of cost and convenience, it makes a totally different product. We are very happy to see this duration of effect. It’s also very interesting for other indications we are pursuing, because it allows us, for example, for MASH, to think we will have the same kind of duration of effect after therapy.
Proactive: You're still four months from completing the trial. What key data points are you waiting on, and what would a strong result look like?
Dr Eric Leire: What we have now is mostly clinical endpoints that matter to dog owners. We still need blood analysis and biopsy analysis as complementary data. The clinical data is already very promising and allow us to start negotiations with animal health companies. We want to outsource the product. It will be a nice confirmation if we see a decrease in biological age in the treated group.
Proactive: Thank you very much for your time.