Genflow Secures Non-Dilutive Grant
Genflow Biosciences received the first €336,000 tranche of a €4 million non-dilutive grant from the Wallonia Region. The funding will support the advancement of its GF-1002 gene therapy for MASH, allowing the company to progress its pipeline without diluting shareholders.
The grant from Wallonia is part of a three-year development program for GF-1002, aligning with Genflow's existing clinical roadmap. This non-dilutive funding is a significant endorsement from the region, which actively fosters its life sciences ecosystem through financial support and partnerships to enhance economic growth. This is not the first time Genflow has received such support, having previously been awarded a grant of up to €3.375 million from Wallonia for preclinical research. Genflow's core technology revolves around a proprietary centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene. Their lead candidate, GF-1002, uses an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to deliver this gene. The Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) protein is a key regulator of metabolic homeostasis, DNA repair, and inflammation, and has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for age-related diseases and metabolic conditions. The MASH therapeutic landscape is evolving rapidly, with the first drug, Rezdiffra (resmetirom), approved in 2024. The market, estimated at $2.0 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $7.38 billion by 2029, driven by the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Genflow is positioning GF-1002 for advanced fibrosis in MASH, an area with a significant unmet need where the main competitor is liver transplantation. This non-dilutive funding arrives in a challenging climate for gene therapy investment, which saw a significant downturn in venture capital funding in recent years. The market is projected to grow substantially, however, with some analyses forecasting a market value of over $55 billion by 2034. Genflow's ability to secure grants allows it to advance its pipeline without diluting shareholder equity, a crucial advantage in the current financial environment. The company, founded in 2020, is led by CEO Dr. Eric Leire, who has extensive experience in both the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology ventures. In January 2026, Genflow appointed Gad Berdugo as Independent Non-Executive Chairman, bringing expertise in U.S. capital markets and RNA-based therapeutics, including LNP delivery systems, to the board. Beyond MASH, Genflow is exploring its SIRT6 gene therapy in other age-related conditions. A proof-of-concept clinical trial in aged dogs, known as the SLAB study, began in March 2025 to evaluate the therapy for sarcopenia and longevity. The company is also developing treatments for glaucoma and exploring other delivery technologies like mRNA and lipid nanoparticles.
