Milestones 2024 in the OLIGOFASTX Project

As we close 2024 and approach the end of this project, it is time to reflect on the impact OLIGOFASTX has had on the RNA field in Spain and beyond. This year has seen important advances in our efforts to consolidate a strong and sustainable industrial ecosystem around therapeutic oligonucleotides, bringing our vision to an international audience. The progress we have made would not have been possible without the commitment and collaboration of each member of the consortium. Thanks to coordinated work and a clear focus on innovation, we have taken firm steps towards strengthening the national biotechnology fabric and the visibility of Spain as a benchmark in this technology. Furthermore, in 2024, we reaffirmed our commitment to social transformation by continuing to actively support the initiatives of the Spanish Federation for Rare Diseases (FEDER). This collaboration reflects our conviction that science and the biotechnology industry can, and must, make a positive impact on the lives of people facing rare diseases.

#DiscoveringOligonucleotides: innovation within everyone’s reach

This year we launched our YouTube shorts series #DiscoveringOligonucleotides, where we explore the 8 key steps in the development of therapeutic oligonucleotides. From the identification of specific targets to large-scale production, each video breaks down the process that turns innovative ideas into revolutionary treatments.

Progress of our partners: ARthemir™.

A major milestone this year was the FDA clearance for our partners ARthex Biotech to initiate a Phase I clinical trial our partners at ARthex Biotech to initiate the Phase I-IIa clinical trial with IIa clinical trial with ATX-01, targeting myotonic d ystrophy type 1. This achievement reflects the impact of the OLIGOFASTX consortium in the development of advanced therapies.

International presence of our partners

The active participation of our partners in key events demonstrates OLIGOFASTX ‘ s commitment to the scientific community:

  • RNA Leaders Europe Congress (March in Basel, Switzerland): Ramón Espinoza (Sylentis) and Beatriz Llamusí (ARthex Biotech)

  • ARVO2024 (May in Seattle, USA): Sylentis

  • TIDES USA (May in Boston, USA): Sylentis and ARthex Biotech

  • Ribored 2024 (May in Bilbao, Spain): Sylentis

  • FarmaForum (September in Madrid, Spain): Verónica Ruz (Sylentis) and Francisco Reyes (53Biologics)

  • OTS Oligo Meeting (October in Montreal, Canada): Ana Isabel Jiménez and Eva García Fernández (Sylentis)

  • World Vaccine Congress (October in Barcelona, Spain): Patricia de la Madrid (53Biologics).

A Highlight Visit: Raquel Yotti at Sylentis

In July, we were visited by Raquel Yotti, commissioner of the Vanguard Health Recovery Plan, to the facilities of Sylentis, our coordinating partner. This meeting reaffirms the role of OLIGOFASTX at the forefront of biotechnology in Spain.

Launch of the Guide:”Discovering Therapeutic Oligonucleotides”.

In December, we launched our guide detailing the process of developing therapeutic oligonucleotides, an essential tool to bring this technology closer to both professionals and the general public.

Milestones in science communication

2024 has been an exceptional year for our communication strategy, with the publication of 42 blog posts, 421 Twitter posts and 309 posts on LinkedIn. In addition, we have enriched our YouTube channel with 33 new videos that have accumulated more than 9,300 views. We continue to grow with the aim of bringing science to all corners of the world. The closing of this year and of this project marks a turning point in the trajectory of all our partners, a reminder of the potential of cooperation and innovation. We look to the future with optimism, ready to face the challenges of the coming year with the same enthusiasm and dedication. Thank you to all those who make this journey possible!