Mogrify has generated preclinical proof-of-concept data for an experimental therapy designed to regenerate photoreceptor cells and restore visual function in patients with retinal disorders.

The UK regenerative medicine company will present the findings at the FLORetina-ICOOR 2026 Congress in December.

Its approach uses transcription factors to reprogramme Müller glial cells, which are found in the retina, into functional photoreceptors. Photoreceptor cells detect light and are essential for vision. Their loss is a feature of several degenerative retinal diseases.

Transcription factors target retinal cell regeneration

Mogrify’s lead programme uses adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery to introduce combinations of transcription factors into retinal cells.

The transcription factors are designed to change the identity of Müller glial cells, converting them into photoreceptors that could potentially replace cells lost through retinal degeneration.

In a large-scale preclinical proof-of-concept study, the company reported statistically significant preservation and restoration of visual function across multiple functional endpoints in a rodent model of induced retinal degeneration.

The study evaluated combinations of transcription factors identified through Mogrify’s proprietary platform.

The company said the results demonstrated that the approach could both protect against and reverse vision loss in the experimental model.

Mogrify chief scientific officer Jonathan Appleby said: “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.”

The findings suggest that reprogramming retinal cells could offer a potential treatment strategy for degenerative conditions involving photoreceptor loss.

Platform identifies cell reprogramming targets

Mogrify’s technology combines next-generation sequencing with a human gene regulatory network-based approach to identify transcription factor combinations capable of controlling cell identity.

The platform is designed to identify combinations that can convert one cell type directly into another, potentially supporting the development of regenerative therapies across different tissues.

For retinal disease, the objective is to use existing Müller glial cells as a source of replacement photoreceptors, rather than relying on transplantation of cells from outside the retina.

The company describes its approach as gene-agnostic, potentially allowing it to address different retinal disorders that share photoreceptor degeneration as an underlying feature.

However, the reported findings remain at the preclinical stage, and further studies will be required to establish safety, durability and efficacy before human trials can begin.

Mogrify seeks partners ahead of clinical development

Mogrify is now exploring licensing and investment opportunities to support further development of its retinal reprogramming programme.

Appleby will lead the programme towards first-in-human studies, bringing 30 years of medicines development experience.

Chief executive officer Joe Foster said: “These results are an exciting milestone, providing a robust foundation for advancing our lead program towards clinical development. We are now exploring licensing and investment opportunities to progress this asset into first-in-human studies.”

The company will present the findings in a talk titled Delivery of a selected combination of transcription factors can improve visual function in a preclinical model of retinal degeneration.

The presentation is scheduled for Thursday, 3 December, from 12:00 to 13:00, as part of the IRD 1 – Natural History, Endpoints & Therapies track at FLORetina-ICOOR 2026.

The data will also feature in The Dolphin Tank, an ophthalmology and vision science innovation showcase hosted by EYENOVATE during the congress.