StrideBio and AHC:

A Joint Statement from the AHC Foundation, CureAHC, and Hope for Annabel

The AHC organizations wish to address jointly the community’s questions about StrideBio. 

StrideBio, a biotech company focused on genetic therapy, has approached patient families to discuss a genetic therapy that they are developing.  They have asked many families to consider participation in group discussions, natural history studies, and potential future clinical trials.   We are encouraged that a biotech company has recognized the potential of genetic therapy to treat AHC, and we encourage families to decide for themselves whether to speak with StrideBio at this early stage.  We understand that families have a number of questions. 

StrideBio’s approach is promising, and echoes the goals of the AVV Project—an effort which the community has supported for the past several years.  We emphasize, however, that StrideBio’s work is an entirely independent effort.  StrideBio has presented some preliminary research to the AHC organizations, but the foundations and our collaborating scientists have seen limited data.  The AHC organizations hope we can endorse the project in the months to come as StrideBio provides more data.  

The AHC organizations have reached out to StrideBio to collaborate further, and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to StrideBio’s efforts.  Together, we believe we can help protect patients and support the science.  We have asked, and will continue to ask, StrideBio to involve the community and the foundations as they move forward. 

We hope that StrideBio’s therapy will prove to be a safe and effective option for patients.  For now, we counsel caution and, as always, optimism.