The game-changing world of gene silencing technology is set for a significant expansion in its scope, thanks to an updated agreement between King's College London and AviadoBio. Initially developed with the aim of tackling neurological disorders, this pioneering technology – known as vMiX™ – has shown such promise that it is now being explored for use in a wide range of human diseases, from cardiovascular conditions to cancer.
The vMiX™ platform uses vectorised RNA interference (RNAi) to deliver a sustained reduction in disease-causing gene expression from a single treatment. According to the NHS, gene silencing technologies have the potential to revolutionise the treatment of genetic disorders, and this latest development is a significant step forward in that direction.
The platform works by harnessing the body's natural RNAi mechanism, using adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vehicle to deliver therapeutic RNA. This targeted approach has the potential to silence up to three genes simultaneously and can even incorporate a 'silencing and replacement' function. The technology also allows for precise control of silencing activity, targeting only specific tissues or cells relevant to the disease.
This strategic expansion follows promising preclinical data for AVB-406, AviadoBio's leading vMiX™-enabled programme for Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Data presented at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 2026 Annual Meeting showed that treatment with AVB-406 resulted in a dose-dependent knockdown of up to 80% of the MAPT gene, which is implicated in these conditions. These results underscore the platform's potential for durable, one-time gene silencing and support its broader application.
"The versatility of vMiX™ has allowed us to position ourselves at the forefront of this exciting field," said Lisa Deschamps, CEO of AviadoBio. "We are confident that our collaboration with King's College London will continue to drive innovation in gene therapy development."
Professor Sebastien Ourselin, Assistant Principal (Innovation) at King's College London, added: "This expanded agreement reflects the adaptability of the vMiX™ technology and highlights the importance of sustained collaboration between academia and industry in accelerating innovative therapy development for patients."