New Hope for Chronic Back Pain: University of Utah Startup Develops Novel Genetic Therapy
Chronic back pain affects millions and a University of Utah startup, Sunac Therapeutics, is pioneering a new approach to treatment. The company is developing a restorative genetic therapy designed to address the root causes of osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) with a simple injection.
The Burden of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain and osteoarthritis significantly diminish quality of life, impacting work, social activities, and emotional well-being. According to research, these conditions affect a broad spectrum of Americans, leading to a cycle of seeking various treatments – therapy, chiropractic care, medication, and even surgery – often with limited and temporary relief. This frustrating experience can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, and anger.
Sunac Therapeutics’ Innovative Approach
Sunac Therapeutics, founded by University of Utah researcher Robby Bowles, is focused on cell regeneration to combat DDD. Bowles’ research identified a gene that plays a key role in both osteoarthritis and DDD. He discovered DNA damage as a primary contributor to these diseases and began researching ways to restore unhealthy cells to their normal function.
The company’s therapy aims to reprogram cells causing pain by expressing a specific gene, ZNF865, through a single injection. This process rebuilds unhealthy cells, potentially offering a lasting solution for chronic back pain. “If this works the way that the data shows, this will be a transformative treatment and it would change the trajectory of osteoarthritis research,” said Sunac Therapeutics CEO Steven Laken.
From Research to Reality: A Collaboration
Sunac Therapeutics emerged from a partnership between Bowles’ research at the University of Utah and the Technology Licensing Office (TLO). Bowles engaged with the TLO to protect his work and identify the right opportunity for commercialization. Entrepreneur Steven Laken joined the project a year and a half ago, recognizing the potential for significant impact on patients with DDD.
“We were looking for a clinical problem that had no clinical solution,” Laken explained. Jason Young, Director of Commercialization at the TLO, highlighted the potential of Sunac Therapeutics, stating, “It’s great to see a company like Sunac Therapeutics move closer to commercialization…this innovation has real potential to help solve a large problem.”
Advice for Researchers
Both Bowles and Laken emphasize the importance of patience and intellectual property protection for researchers looking to translate their work into commercial ventures. “It takes a really long time to get your story and messaging together and make sure that you’re doing the right things,” Laken said. Bowles added, “Engage the TLO through the process…If you’re interested in translating research, make sure you’re thinking about the IP and filing your provisional patents.”