The AIM-listed biotech's SIRT6 programme is attracting a widening group of Tier-1 industry evaluators, sending shares to 2.85p.
Genflow Biosciences Ltd (LSE:GENF, OTCQB:GENFF, FRA:WQ5) shares jumped 14% to 2.85p on Tuesday after the gene therapy developer announced it had signed additional confidentiality agreements with Tier-1 global animal health companies over its canine longevity programme.
The price movement extends a run that has seen the stock gain 28% year-to-date and almost 140% over the past 12 months.
In Tuesday's news, the latest agreements build on an initial round of confidentiality agreements already in place following positive preliminary interim results from the company's dog study, announced in February.
They also broaden the pool of major industry players conducting a formal review of Genflow's data and underlying technology.
The programme centres on SIRT6, a gene associated with longevity and resistance to age-related disease, with Genflow's therapy designed to enhance its expression in dogs as a potential treatment for the conditions associated with canine ageing.
The animal health sector represents a commercially attractive entry point for gene therapy developers, given its faster regulatory pathway relative to human medicine and the willingness of pet owners to pay for premium veterinary treatments.
Chief executive Dr Eric Leire said the positive preliminary findings were now being evaluated by a broader group of counterparties, with the company focused on advancing the programme and generating further supporting data.
Genflow was careful to manage expectations, noting that all interactions remain exploratory and that no formal transaction or partnership has been agreed.
The widening circle of interest nonetheless signals that the February data was sufficiently compelling to draw in additional major players beyond those already engaged, and the share price reaction suggests investors are beginning to price in a meaningful probability of a commercial deal.