GenEditBio Secures US FDA IND Clearance for First-in-Class Genome Editing Therapy in Corneal Dystrophy

GenEditBio Secures US FDA IND Clearance for First-in-Class Genome Editing Therapy in Corneal Dystrophy

By, Admin 6 January 2026

The US Food and Drug Administration has cleared the IND application for GEB-101, enabling the company to initiate a Phase 1/2 CLARITY clinical trial in patients with TGFBI corneal dystrophy.

This marks GenEditBio’s transition from preclinical development to human studies for its lead in vivo genome-editing program.

What the CLARITY Trial Will Evaluate

The Phase 1/2 CLARITY study is designed to generate early clinical evidence.

Key trial details:

  • Indication: TGFBI corneal dystrophy
  • Design: Seamless, adaptive, multicenter, sequential
  • Dose: Single intrastromal injection
  • Endpoints: Safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy
  • Geography: United States
  • Enrollment: Expected to begin in Q2 following site activation

The trial aims to assess whether a one-time genome-editing intervention can address the genetic root cause of the disease.

Why GEB-101 Is Different

GEB-101 is positioned as a first-in-class, one-and-done therapy.

Its differentiation lies in:

  • CRISPR-Cas–based genome editing
  • Delivery as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) for rapid action and degradation
  • Reduced risk of prolonged exposure and off-target editing
  • Administration via a single intrastromal injection

The therapy is encapsulated in GenEditBio’s proprietary engineered protein delivery vehicle (PDV), designed for precise in vivo targeting.

Addressing a High Unmet Need in Eye Genetics

TGFBI corneal dystrophy is a group of inherited eye disorders.

Disease burden includes:

  • Progressive corneal protein deposits
  • Photophobia and recurrent corneal erosions
  • Gradual vision loss and chronic pain

Current treatments, such as phototherapeutic keratectomy and corneal transplantation, do not correct the underlying mutation. Recurrence remains common.

This creates a strong rationale for genetic intervention at the source.

Leadership Perspective

According to GenEditBio’s leadership, the IND clearance reflects years of focused execution.

The company highlighted:

  • Validation of robust preclinical safety and efficacy data
  • Confidence in its RNP-based genome-editing approach
  • Plans to expand the CLARITY trial into additional global markets

GEB-101 is already being evaluated in an investigator-initiated trial in China, further supporting its clinical development pathway.

About GenEditBio

Founded in 2021, GenEditBio is headquartered in Hong Kong with operations in Beijing and Boston.

The company focuses on:

  • In vivo genome-editing therapies
  • Novel Cas nuclease discovery
  • Advanced delivery systems using LNPs and PDVs

Backed by leading life science investors, GenEditBio aims to make genome editing safer, more precise, and more affordable for patients with unmet genetic diseases.

Bottom Line

FDA IND clearance for GEB-101 positions GenEditBio at the forefront of ocular genome editing.

If successful, the CLARITY trial could redefine how inherited corneal dystrophies are treated—by fixing the gene, not managing the damage.

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