SiSaf's Innovative RNA Therapeutic for Rare Genetic Skeletal Disorders Begins the U.S. Regulatory Process for Orphan Drug Designation

GUILDFORD, England, Oct. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SiSaf Ltd, an RNA delivery and therapeutics company, announces that it is initiating the U.S. FDA Regulatory process to obtain an Orphan Drug Designation for SIS-101-ADO, a siRNA therapeutic for patients with Autosomal Dominant Osteopetrosis Type 2 (ADO2), a rare genetic skeletal disorder. The request for Orphan Drug Designation and advancement through the complex regulatory process that SIS-101-ADO must undergo is being coordinated by CSSi LifeSciences, a leader in shepherding emerging therapeutics through federal approval processes.

The SIS-101-ADO combines an siRNA that suppress the expression of CLCN7, with SiSaf's Bio-Courier® next generation silicon stabilized hybrid lipid nanoparticles (sshLNP) technology that addresses the limitations of other RNA delivery technologies by merging lipid nanoparticle technology with inorganic bioabsorbable silicon. By downregulating the expression of CLCN7, a mutant gene expressed by osteoclasts and other cell types responsible for causing ADO2, the RNA therapy restores bone mass and quality to nearly normal levels. 

Though the regulatory process can be lengthy, if approved, the use of SiSaf's pioneering Bio-Courier® technology for RNA delivery could provide life-altering benefits for those who suffer from rare skeletal disorders and may potentially be used to treat other bone and skeletal conditions in the future.

Genetic skeletal disorders such as ADO2 account for five percent of all birth defects globally, yet many unmet needs and challenges remain for providing safe and effective treatments. SiSaf's proprietary Bio-Courier® technology is an innovative delivery platform designed to accelerate the technical advances and application of promising RNA therapeutics.

"In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in RNA therapeutics for a wide range of medical concerns," said SiSaf Founder and CEO Dr. Suzanne Saffie-Siebert. "Initiating the regulatory process to have our ADO2 therapeutic obtain Orphan Drug Designation will move this revolutionary treatment closer to the goal of alleviating the pain and suffering that this disease inflicts on people. Provided successful, SIS-101-ADO and other Bio-Courier® formulated drugs will not only be able to treat rare skeletal disorders but can clear the way for therapeutics for other rare diseases once thought impossible to treat."

Jim Sergi, CEO of CSSi LifeSciences said, "Working with SiSaf to obtain Orphan Drug Designation for its innovative Bio-Courier® delivered siRNA product holds the promise to address some of the most intractable diseases. Unlocking the potential of this therapeutic will usher in a new era of personalized care and treatment options for ADO2 and other rare bone and skeletal diseases."

Bio-Courier® Technology Program and its Benefits

SiSaf's Bio-Courier® drug delivery platform builds upon lipid nanoparticle technology with the introduction of silicon, for structural integrity and durability. The result is a nanoparticle with improved RNA loading capacity and protection from hydrolysis, combined with efficient transfection and controlled release of the oligonucleotide payload.  Bio-Courier® versatility is achieved by modifying particle size, surface charge and surface ligands for targeting to the desired site of drug action. Bio-Courier® formulated drugs can be used for multiple routes of administration.

About Orphan Drug Designation

Orphan Drug Designation is a process designated by the FDA for therapeutics that have promising, but limited, efficacy in the marketplace. The FDA has authority to grant Orphan Drug Designation to a drug or biological product to prevent, diagnose or treat a rare disease or condition – typically affecting 200,000 people or less – through incentives such as tax credits for clinical trials, exemption from user fees, and expanded marketplace exclusivity.

The Orphan Drug Designation process is separate from the FDA's standard approval and licensing procedures for new therapeutics. Given the complexity and specificity of the Orphan Drug Designation process, working with specialized organizations, such as CSSi LifeSciences, that have the clinical and regulatory expertise, can streamline and expedite the process.

About SiSaf

SiSaf is an RNA delivery and therapeutics company. Its proprietary Bio-Courier® technology addresses the limitations of other RNA delivery technologies through the hybridization of organic materials with inorganic, bioabsorbable silicon through the company's Bio-Courier® delivery technology.

Led by founder and leading biomaterials specialist Dr. Suzanne Saffie-Siebert, SiSaf is a private company supported by venture capital investors including Vickers Venture Partners and the UK Future Fund. Headquartered in Guildford, UK, it has fully integrated research labs and bio-analytical facilities, a scalable technology to fast-track development, and a growing patent estate with extensive freedom to operate.

To learn more about SiSaf and this program, submit this contact form or visit: www.sisaf.com.

About CSSi LifeSciences

CSSi LifeSciences is a global contract service provider that's mission is to successfully advance drugs and medical device technologies from discovery to commercialization. CSSi LifeSciences provides customized solutions to propel life science technologies to market by mitigating risks, time, and cost, while increasing its chances of success. CSSi LifeSciences provides services across all phases of drug and medical device development, in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit: www.cssilifesciences.com.