Gene therapy company CombiGene and the biotechnology company Zyneyro began a collaboration to develop better treatments for acute and chronic pain in early 2023. The collaboration includes a program with both peptide therapy COZY01 and gene therapy COZY02 for the treatment of severe temporary and chronic pain conditions.
In September, the US-based AmbioPharm as a contract manufacturer for the COZY01 project, which is an important step in initiating the toxicology studies required to submit an application for clinical trials.
Charles River will be responsible for the tox studies
The next step in the project has now been taken. After an evaluation of several contract research organizations (CROs), CombiGene has chosen Charles River Laboratories as a new partner. According to CombiGene, Charles River has the resources and expertise required to provide high-quality studies tailored to the COZY01 program.
In a press release, the company highlights that Charles River's facility in Edinburgh has provided valuable scientific support and advice throughout the evaluation process, and that the counterparty has a global operation with leading experience in drug development, as well as access to extensive expertise, which provides the security required for a company of CombiGene's size.
In a comment it says Alvar Grönberg, CombiGenes Senior Program Director:
"It is very satisfying that we have now chosen Charles River as our partner in the COZY01 project. The fact that we have now chosen a CRO means that the COZY01 project has taken another important step towards initiating the toxicology studies that are being conducted in order for us to be able to submit a clinical trial application."