Progeria Research Foundation and Forge Biologics Partner to Advance Gene Therapy
PEABODY, MA & COLUMBUS, OH – March 3, 2026 – The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) and Forge Biologics today announced a manufacturing agreement to support the development and manufacturing of SamPro-2, PRF’s investigational gene therapy for children and young adults with Progeria, a rare and fatal genetic disease characterized by rapid aging. [1]
A Critical Step Towards Clinical Development
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the effort to develop a cure for Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. The collaboration brings together PRF’s decades of research with Forge’s expertise in gene therapy manufacturing, including process development, cGMP manufacturing and regulatory consultation. [2]
About SamPro-2
SamPro-2 is an in vivo gene editing therapy designed to correct the single DNA base mutation in the lamin A gene that causes Progeria. It utilizes an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver a base editing approach. [3] Forge Biologics will provide manufacturing services for Investigative New Drug (IND)-enabling studies. [4]
Expert Perspectives
“The era of Progeria gene therapy has arrived. We hope that SamPro-2 will enable children and young adults with Progeria to live the longer, healthier lives they deserve,” said Dr. Leslie Gordon, co-founder and medical director of PRF. [1]
John Maslowski, president and CEO of Forge Biologics, stated, “The Progeria Research Foundation and its Gene team have been exceptionally committed to advancing this science, and we are honored to partner with them. At Forge, we bring the same level of care, expertise, and technical precision to our manufacturing perform as we help advance this program for patients.” [1]
About The Progeria Research Foundation
Founded in 1999, the Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) is dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. The foundation has been instrumental in every major scientific breakthrough in the field, including the discovery of the gene that causes the disease and the first FDA-approved treatment, lonafarnib. [2] PRF is currently leading the Path to Cure Progeria program, investigating whether a one-time gene editing therapy can provide a durable treatment. [2]
About Forge Biologics
Forge Biologics is a gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on enabling access to life-changing gene therapies. The company’s 200,000 square foot facility, The Hearth, is located in Columbus, Ohio, and features 20 custom-designed cGMP suites with a 20,000 liter bioreactor capacity. [1]