CRMA-1001

CRMA-1001 is a liver-targeted epigenetic editing therapy in preclinical development as a potential functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis D (HDV). It is designed to silence both covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV DNA at the transcriptional level, thereby permanently inactivating the virus without cutting or nicking the host genome. The therapy works by adding methyl groups to viral DNA, causing it to wrap tightly and turn off gene expression, which prevents production of viral proteins such as HBsAg. This approach leverages endogenous epigenetic mechanisms for precise, durable silencing of HBV/HDV genes while preserving genomic integrity. Preclinical studies have shown that a single administration can achieve deep and sustained reduction of key viral biomarkers with minimal risk of off-target effects or unwanted changes to patient DNA[2][5][9].