Patients with geographic atrophy experience irreversible vision loss with a significant impact on quality of life due to the chronic and progressive nature of the disease. There are currently no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments available for geographic atrophy.

The complement system plays a crucial role in the body's innate immune system by enhancing its ability to clear pathogens and damaged cells and regulating inflammatory immune responses through complement control proteins. Dysregulation and hyperactivity of the complement system is associated with the onset and progression of serious inflammatory diseases, including geographic atrophy and other ocular conditions.

Through this agreement, Kriya will advance gene therapies that are designed to durably express engineered molecules that selectively reduce complement hyperactivity at the site of pathology following one-time administration, according to the firm.

No financial details were disclosed.

Kriya is a fully integrated company developing novel technologies and therapeutics in gene therapy.