Avidity Biosciences has provided an update on the development of AOC 1044 – an Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™) designed to use an antibody to deliver an exon 44-skipping oligonucleotide to muscle and heart cells for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy:

AOC 1044 is the first of multiple AOCs we are developing for the Duchenne community. EXPLORE44™ is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating AOC 1044 for the treatment of people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who have mutations amenable to exon 44 skipping (DMD44). The EXPLORE44 study was designed in partnership with patients, caregivers, advocates, and key physicians in the field to ensure we are best meeting the needs of the Duchenne community while minimizing barriers to participation. EXPLORE44 is planned to have support services in place to help offset the costs and challenges of participating in a clinical trial, including travel costs. The study will have two parts, beginning with part A, which will evaluate single ascending doses of AOC 1044 compared to placebo in approximately 40 healthy volunteers. Part B of EXPLORE44 will enroll 24 participants with DMD44 and is expected to start later in 2023.

Learn more about AOC 1044 and the EXPLORE44 trial: