The biotechnology industry continues to lead the way on innovation. New technologies, therapies and vaccines are being developed in all corners of the world, by companies large and small. At this year’s BIO Digital 2021, the NIH Innovation Zone will showcase more than 40 NIH-funded small businesses and their cutting-edge work.
The NIH Innovation Zone is part of the brand-new Innovation Stage that will feature leading global innovators, regional economic development groups, disruptive biotech start-ups, and more. The Innovation Stage, including the NIH Innovation Zone, opens to participants June 10 and runs through BIO Digital week, June 14-18 and is complimentary for any registered BIO Digital attendee.
We spoke with one Innovation Zone participant, Ana Moreno, founder and CEO of Navega Therapeutics, which focuses on gene therapy to treat chronic pain and improve quality of life.
What is your company’s lead product or technology?
Navega Therapeutics harnesses the precision of CRISPR and zinc finger epigenome regulation to enable next-generation gene therapies for neurological and ophthalmologic diseases. Our lead epigenetic candidate is a radically different approach to treat chronic pain, with the first indication pursued being a rare genetic pain disorder.
How has the NIH SBIR program helped your company grow?
The NIH SBIR program has helped Navega increase its pipeline and obtain in vivo proof of concept for additional targets. The SBIR program has not only provided funding opportunities to enable research, but also additional business development support.
What are the upcoming milestones and long-term priorities for your company?
Navega is focused on bringing gene therapies to drastically improve patients’ quality-of-life. Our next milestones are focused on completing IND-enabling studies and initiating clinical trials for a rare genetic pain disorder.
What do you hope to gain from your participation at BIO Digital 2021?
Navega is focused on establishing long-lasting relationships with investors and partners interested in developing gene therapies for rare and common diseases.
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