Gap Junction

Gap Junction Therapeutics is a Japanese biotechnology company dedicated to developing transformative treatments for hearing loss by targeting gap junction molecular abnormalities. Spun out of Juntendo University in 2021, the company leverages the research of Dr. Kazusaku Kamiya to address GJB2 gene mutations, the most common cause of hereditary deafness. Their lead programs utilize a proprietary inner ear-tropic AAV vector (SonuAAV) for gene therapy and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology for cell replacement. Through a strategic alliance with Takara Bio, the company is advancing its pipeline toward clinical trials to provide the first fundamental treatments for genetic hearing impairment. The company's innovative approach has been recognized with awards such as the Boehringer Ingelheim Innovation Prize.