rAAV2.7m8-VEGF decoy receptor

rAAV2.7m8-VEGF decoy receptor is an experimental gene therapy candidate designed for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). It utilizes a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector with the 2.7m8 capsid, which is engineered for enhanced retinal penetration and transduction following intravitreal delivery. The vector carries a transgene encoding a high-affinity vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) decoy receptor, driven by a CMV promoter/enhancer cassette. This approach aims to provide sustained intraocular production of a VEGF inhibitor, potentially reducing the treatment burden associated with frequent anti-VEGF injections. Preclinical studies in rat models have demonstrated that a single intravitreal administration significantly suppresses laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with efficacy comparable to aflibercept and no evidence of ocular structural damage.