WALTHAM, MA – Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ: RGEN) reported today publication of research that identifies histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC 3) as an important enzyme target for therapeutic intervention in Friedreich’s ataxia. These research findings confirm the drug target of the HDAC inhibitors that Repligen is currently developing for the treatment of inherited neurodegenerative diseases such as Friedreich's ataxia. The study entitled “Chemical Probes Identify a Role for Histone Deacetylase 3 in Friedreich’s Ataxia Gene Silencing” published today in the journal Chemistry & Biology (volume 16, 980–989, September 25, 2009) was conducted in collaboration with scientists at The Scripps Research Institute.
“Prior research indicated that HDAC enzymes play an important role in silencing the gene implicated in Friedreich’s ataxia,” stated Walther C. Herlihy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Repligen Corporation. “Identification of the involvement of HDAC 3 is an important step in developing a specific drug for Friedreich’s ataxia without the potential toxicities associated with broad-acting HDAC inhibitors. There are more than 15,000 patients worldwide with Friedreich's ataxia with no therapies available for treatment.”
Read More: Repligen Announces Identification of Drug Target for Friedreich’s Ataxia
