TECPR2 Foundation Partnered With Forge Biologics
The organizations joined forces to advance AAV gene therapy research for the rare neurodegenerative disorder.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Biotech
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The TECPR2 Research Foundation has partnered with Forge Biologics to develop an AAV gene therapy for TECPR2 disorder. The collaboration aims to address the genetic cause of the neurodegenerative disease, which is characterized by developmental delays and neurological complications.
Why it matters
By leveraging specialized manufacturing platforms, the partnership seeks to expedite the development of a therapeutic treatment for this rare genetic condition. This collaboration combines foundational research from UT Southwestern with industrial-scale production capabilities.
The gene therapy program utilizes the FUEL platform, which incorporates HEK293 suspension Ignition Cells and pEMBR 2.0 adenovirus helper plasmid to facilitate production. Forge Biologics will provide end-to-end analytical and process development services for the treatment.
The players
TECPR2 Research Foundation
This foundation based in Boca Raton, Florida, is dedicated to finding a cure for TECPR2 disorder.
Forge Biologics
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, this company specializes in gene therapy process development and cGMP manufacturing.
Steven Gray
He is a prominent researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center focusing on gene therapy development.
The details
Research conducted by Steven Gray and his lab at UT Southwestern serves as the technical foundation for the new therapy. Forge Biologics will handle the manufacturing process to advance the program toward future clinical development.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The partnership between the organizations was officially announced.
The Tech Race
This collaboration mirrors a broader industry trend where academic research institutions partner with specialized biotech manufacturers to bridge the gap between discovery and clinical viability. It follows the established pattern of using viral-vector platforms to treat rare, monogenic neurodegenerative diseases.
For families affected by TECPR2 disorder, this partnership represents a critical step toward the potential availability of future gene-based treatment options. It streamlines the manufacturing process, which is a necessary precursor to bringing novel genetic therapies into the clinical care setting.
The takeaway
This collaboration highlights the increasing necessity of large-scale manufacturing capacity in the successful translation of rare disease gene therapies. Patients and their advocates should monitor the program's progress through the foundation's public updates as manufacturing milestones are reached.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the field by visiting our Biotech section.
More information
For more information on the foundation's work, visit the TECPR2 Research Foundation website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Firstwordpharma.
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