Mogrify Limited will present preclinical proof-of-concept data for its first-in-class in vivo reprogramming therapy at the FLORetina-ICOOR 2026 congress, demonstrating statistically significant visual function restoration in rodent models of retinal degeneration by converting müller glial cells into functional photoreceptors using transcription factor-mediated reprogramming delivered via AAV vectors.
Transcription Factor Reprogramming Targets Photoreceptor Loss
The core of the Mogrify approach relies on a proprietary platform that utilizes next-generation sequencing and human gene regulatory network analysis to identify specific transcription factor combinations. By systematically mapping these regulatory circuits, the company aims to force a cellular state change within the retina. Instead of standard gene replacement, this method attempts to reprogram existing müller glial cells—the retina’s resident support cells—into mature, light-sensing photoreceptors.
This “gene-agnostic” approach is designed to address the underlying structural damage common to various retinal disorders, rather than focusing on a single genetic mutation. By regenerating the physical components of the retina, the company intends to restore vision at a cellular level.
FirstWord Pharma reported that the company’s lead program has moved through large-scale preclinical validation using AAV—adeno-associated virus—vectors to deliver the genetic instructions required for this conversion.
Statistically Significant Restoration in Rodent Models
The upcoming presentation at FLORetina-ICOOR 2026, scheduled for December 3, 2026, will detail findings from studies where the therapy showed consistent efficacy across multiple functional endpoints. The data suggests that the intervention can both protect against further degeneration and reverse existing vision loss in induced models of the disease.
“We are thrilled to have generated statistically robust evidence that AAV delivery of MOGRIFY-identified transcription factor combinations can both protect against and reverse vision loss in a preclinical model of retinal degeneration,” said Dr. Jonathan Appleby, Chief Scientific Officer at Mogrify.
Dr. Appleby, who brings 30 years of experience in medicines development, is leading the program’s transition toward human trials. The preclinical results are noteworthy for their consistency across several dosing formats, a critical factor for establishing the safety and scalability of in vivo therapies. The company maintains that these results provide a foundation for the next phase of development.
Mogrify Seeks Partners to Advance Clinical-Stage Testing
With the preclinical data set to be unveiled at the FLORetina-ICOOR 2026 congress, Mogrify is shifting its focus toward the financial and operational requirements of clinical-stage testing. The company is currently seeking external partners and investment to advance the lead program into first-in-human studies.
Joe Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Mogrify, said that the company is actively exploring licensing and investment opportunities to progress this asset. Beyond the main presentation on December 3, the data will also be featured in The Dolphin Tank, an ophthalmology and vision science innovation showcase hosted by EYENOVATE during the congress. This dual-track exposure is intended to highlight the platform’s potential to both industry investors and clinical specialists.
Proprietary Platform Manages Transcription Factor Expression Levels
The transition from a computational gene regulatory network model to a successful in vivo therapy remains one of the most complex challenges in regenerative medicine. The use of AAV delivery systems is a standard, yet highly technical, choice for retinal therapies, given the eye’s relative immune privilege and accessibility for localized injection.
However, the precise control of transcription factor expression levels—often referred to as the stoichiometry of reprogramming—is where Mogrify’s proprietary platform claims a competitive advantage.
The company has not yet released the specific parameters of the transcription factor cocktail, nor the exact AAV serotypes utilized in the rodent studies. These details are expected to be scrutinized by the scientific community during the December congress.
For now, the focus remains on the transition from the laboratory to the clinic, with the company aiming to confirm whether the functional restoration observed in rodent models can be replicated in the human eye.
The presentation, titled “Delivery of a selected combination of transcription factors can improve visual function in a preclinical model of retinal degeneration,” is part of the IRD 1 – Natural History, Endpoints & Therapies track at the FLORetina-ICOOR 2026 Congress, taking place 3–6 December 2026.
