Our Process

Step 1
Characterize Mutation

Characterize patient’s genetic mutation and establish a cell line through a tissue biopsy.

Step 2
Prototype and Optimize

Prototype and optimize therapeutic candidates capable of fixing mutation in the cell line.

Step 3
Test Efficacy

Test candidates via tissue modeling and/or mutation-specific mouse model for efficacy.

Step 4
Manufacture and Test Safety

Manufacture final therapeutic & conduct pivotal study. Submit IND to the FDA for approval.

Step 5
Clinical Trial

Administer therapeutic and monitor patient(s) for safety and efficacy signals.

Step 6
License

License technology to industry to treat remaining population.

Our Collaborators

The success of our model relies on our extensive network of academic and industry collaborations across the United States, Canada and Europe.

Cost of Development

Historically, the cost to develop a new drug averages $2 billion. Through collaboration and efficiency, we are drastically reducing the investments required to develop life-saving therapies.

Drug Development Program
Stage 1
Establish human disease model cell line and engineer disease animal model, if necessary.
$60,000
Stage 2
Engineer therapeutic to repair mutation. Test and optimize using human cell line.
$200,000
Stage 3
Test therapeutic in disease animal model to assess pharmacology.

$200,000
Stage 4
Manufacture batch of therapeutic and conduct pivotal toxicology study.

$2,800,000
Stage 5
Conduct investigator-led clinical trial and conduct long-term follow up.
$200,000

Fuel Our Pipeline

Our research and development is powered by the generous financial support of families, rare disease communities, and organizations unwilling to accept the status quo of drug development practices. As a 501c3 non-profit biotech, 93+% of all donations go directly to the research and development of life-saving therapies.

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Explore Our Blog to Learn More About Our Science

What is CRISPR-mediated Exon Skipping?

CRISPR mediated exon-skipping is a method of genome editing that can be used to develop life-saving therapeutics for people with rare and ultra-rare genetic disorders. CRD is explaining the science behind these technologies as well as how they are the key to treating these diseases.

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What are Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs)?

Today, CRD is breaking down the basics of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which are being utilized to develop life-saving therapeutics for rare neurodegenerative disorders.

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What is gene therapy?

Gene therapy is the future of treating rare, genetic diseases that were previously thought to have no cure. CRD is breaking down what gene therapy is and how we are using gene therapy to develop therapies for neuromuscular diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), limb-girdle muscular dystrophy subtypes, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3).

Learn more