CureNFwithJack backs CureAge Therapeutics to accelerate genetic medicines for NF1
CureNFwithJack (CNFWJ), a patient advocacy organization founded by the Burke family in honor of their son Jack, who lives with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), has joined CureAge Therapeutics as a venture philanthropy investor to help accelerate the development of next-generation genetic therapies for NF1.
Founded by the Children’s Tumor Foundation and Deep Science Ventures, CureAge is developing a novel genetic medicine platform that combines lipid nanoparticle technology with a localized delivery approach to target Schwann cells, the cells that give rise to plexiform neurofibromas, one of the most significant unmet medical needs in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).
"We are honored to partner with CureAge in advancing innovative gene-based approaches that have the potential to change the trajectory of neurofibromatosis. At CureNFwithJack, we believe patients cannot wait. We are committed to investing in bold, translational science that can accelerate meaningful progress from the laboratory to patients - with urgency, with hope, and with an unwavering focus on delivering better treatments and, ultimately, a cure." Elizabeth O’Brien, Co-Founder and CEO of CureNFwithJack.
“Venture philanthropy means families like the Burkes don’t just fund research—they become partners in delivering the cure itself,” said Dr. Gonzalo Fernández-Miranda, CEO and co-founder of CureAge.
Building on the success of MEK inhibitors
The NF community has made remarkable progress with the approval of MEK inhibitors. These treatments represented a historic breakthrough and have significantly improved the lives of individuals living with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas.
However, MEK inhibitors are not curative. Responses are partial or variable, and long-term use can be limited by tolerability. The next challenge for the field is to develop safer, more effective therapies capable of delivering lasting benefit by addressing the disease at its source.
Advancing genetic medicine toward preclinical validation
With the support of CNFWJ, CureAge is now backed by three NF-focused advocacy organizations. This growing coalition reflects increasing confidence from the patient community that genetic medicine may represent one of the most promising pathways toward transformative therapies, and ultimately cures, for NF1.
CureAge is currently extending its Pre-Seed financing round to reach a critical milestone: demonstrating proof-of-concept in animal models. These studies will generate the data required to attract specialized investors and advance the company’s genetic medicine platform toward clinical development.
For more information about CureNFwithJack, visit www.curenfwithjack.org . To learn more about CureAge Therapeutics, visit www.cureagetx.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn.