# Development of novel ASO-based therapeutics for CMT1A

> **NIH NIH R43** · SHIFT PHARMACEUTICALS HOLDINGS, INC. · 2022 · $256,580

## Abstract

Abstract:
The objective of this project is to develop a safe, effective antisense oligonucleotide with Phosphorodiamidate
Morpholino Oligomer (PMO) backbone chemistry capable of significantly reducing PMP22 protein production in
Schwann cells, which is titratable in its dosing characteristics. For patients with CMT1A, the most common form
of CMT, PMP22 over production of this protein drives disease progression. We have previously performed
rigorous analysis of the PMP22 gene sequence, which has led to the design of numerous ASOs that have been
shown to effectively alter PMP22 mRNA production. These PMOs have been designed to alter exon splicing,
resulting in an “exon-skipped” product that is severely truncated early in the translation process, effectively
reducing PMP22 protein production. Importantly, however, PMP22 production is not completely eliminated since
this would also be detrimental.
CMT1A is a remarkably common rare disease that is caused by the overexpression of a protein involved in the
function of nerves in the periphery. The protein, PMP22, acts much like an insulator, allowing nerves to fire their
signal properly. While too much of PMP22 is bad for the cell, too little of PMP22 is also a problem and therefore
any therapeutic strategy cannot simply knock-out the expression of the important gene. The molecular genetics
of CMT1A makes this disease particularly amenable for nucleic acid-based therapeutics designed to modulate
PMP22 expression since: 1) CMT1A is monogenic; 2) the disease gene has been identified; and 3) inhibition of
PMP22 expression can be accomplished through a variety a molecular mechanisms. Currently, no drugs are
available for effectively treating the disease progression of CMT1A, thus this highly at risk patient class remains
untreated with disease altering therapies.
During Phase 1, a number of the PMO ASO candidates will be screened “in vivo”, in a humanized PMP22 mouse
model for activity and acute safety. In Aim 1, we will inject selected compounds previously screened in cell based
models into mice and monitor the PMP22 mRNA total for full-length and “exon-skipped” mRNA production. in
Schwan cells surrounding peripheral nerve tissues (after sacrifice) to confirm efficacy and monitor overall in vivo
efficiency. Once active compounds are confirmed, in Aim 2 we will inject molecules into a different cohort of mice
and monitor biological activity of nerve function using accepted electrophysiology techniques.
Previously, Shift Pharmaceuticals (collaborating with the University of Missouri) has successfully demonstrated
the PMO ASO approach for altering exon splicing with another drug candidate (E1v1.11) that has proven to be
extremely effective at modifying protein production of SMN protein for Spinal Muscular Atrophy disease, which
suggested this approach should be effective in mouse models for CMT. We have also demonstrated in previous
studies that E1v1.11 and similar PMOs are very safe when dosed at extremely hi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10383878
- **Project number:** 1R43NS125717-01
- **Recipient organization:** SHIFT PHARMACEUTICALS HOLDINGS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Steve OConnor
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $256,580
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-06-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10383878

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10383878, Development of novel ASO-based therapeutics for CMT1A (1R43NS125717-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10383878. Licensed CC0.

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