β-actin

Preclinical and translational pipeline program data for AX-0810 for Cholestatic Diseases targeting NTCP and AX-1412 for Cardiovascular Disease targeting B4GALT1 anticipated in 2024, building further momentum toward the clinicAccelerated development of Axiomer™ for CNS applications via new research partnership with Rett Syndrome Research TrustCompleted divestment of sepofarsen and ultevursen ophthalmic programs to Laboratoires Théa€118.9 million cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 providing runway into mid-2026 LEIDEN, Netherlands & CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProQR Therapeutics NV. (Nasdaq: PRQR) (ProQR), a company dedicated to changing lives through transformative RNA therapies based on its proprietary Axiomer™ RNA editing technology platform, today reported its financial and operating results for the year ended December 31, 2023, and provided a business update. “Over the past year as we exclusively focused our strategy on RNA editing, ProQR made important progress with Axiomer, our ADAR-mediated RNA editing technology platform,” said Daniel A. de Boer, Chief Executive Officer of ProQR. “We announced our initial pipeline programs, AX-0810 and AX-1412, targeting NTCP and B4GALT1, respectively, and presented preclinical platform data across a variety of targets. Our platform has demonstrated robust editing, including reporting up to 70% editing of ACTB in the liver of non-human primates, as well as functional protein data with the liver target ANGPTL3 in mice. Additionally, we further strengthened our leading global IP estate for ADAR-mediated RNA editing, which was upheld when challenged by multiple parties in various jurisdictions. We continued to execute and build on the successes achieved during the first two years of our collaboration with Eli Lilly, and formed a new partnership with the Rett Syndrome Research Trust. We also completed the divestment of late-stage ophthalmic assets, sepofarsen and ultevursen, to Laboratoires Théa who will continue the development of these therapies for patients, as ProQR continues to focus exclusively on advancing our RNA editing platform and pipeline.” De Boer continued, “In 2024, we anticipate sharing in vitro, in vivo, and translational data for our initial pipeline programs using Axiomer, and remain on track to enter the clinic in late 2024/early 2025. Along with our extensive body of preclinical proof of concept data for the platform, partnership with Eli Lilly, leading IP position, and strong cash position providing runway into mid-2026, we believe that ProQR is well positioned to continue to execute on our strategy and advance our mission of changing lives through transformative RNA therapies.” Recent Progress In February, ProQR announced that it further strengthened its leading intellectual property estate for ADAR-mediated RNA editing by successfully defending against an opposition filed in Japan by a strawman against ProQR’s granted patent JP 7244922, which is related to the broad concept of using chemically modified oligonucleotides to target specific adenosines within target RNA using endogenous enzymes. The Japanese Patent Office rejected the strawman’s opposition and indicated that all claims were to be maintained as granted to ProQR.In January, ProQR highlighted its continued progress in advancing its Axiomer™ RNA editing technology platform, with new data presented at the 5th International Conference on Base Editing, Prime Editing & Related Enzymes (Deaminet 2024), including: Platform demonstrates robust in vivo editing capabilities reporting up to 70% editing of ACTB in the liver of non-human primates (NHPs) and mice; andFunctional effect demonstrated in mice in vivo via modulation of ANGPLT3 protein properties leading to favorable increase in LPL enzymatic activity and meaningful impact of biomarkers. In January, ProQR and the Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT) formed a partnership focused on utilizing ProQR’s Axiomer™ RNA editing technology platform to design and develop editing oligonucleotides targeting an underlying genetic variant that causes Rett syndrome. RSRT awarded ProQR approximately $1 million as a research grant for the initial phase of the project, which encompasses editing oligonucleotide design and optimization, including evaluation in in vivo models for editing efficiency and MECP2 protein recovery. It is the intent of the partnership to be continued by an expanded co-funding arrangement following the initial discovery work.In December, ProQR completed the divestment of sepofarsen and ultevursen to Laboratoires Théa, who will continue the development of these programs for patients with LCA10 and Usher syndrome. The transaction agreement provided ProQR with an initial payment of €8 million and the Company may be eligible for up to €165 million in further development, regulatory, and commercial earn-out payments upon related achieved milestones, as well as double-digit royalties based on commercial sales in the US and EU. Anticipated Upcoming Events Additional Axiomer™ platform data updates throughout 2024.Preclinical and translational pipeline program data for AX-0810 for Cholestatic Diseases targeting NTCP and AX-1412 for Cardiovascular Disease targeting B4GALT1: In vitro and in vivo data for AX-0810 for Cholestatic Diseases targeting NTCP in mid 2024, and In vitro and in vivo data for AX-1412 for Cardiovascular Diseases targeting B4GALT1 in the second half of 2024. Continue to progress on key steps required to advance AX-0810 and AX-1412 to clinical trials with translational data updates ahead of entry to clinic, which is on track for late 2024/early 2025.Potential initial Trident preclinical data in late 2024 – Trident is ProQR’s early stage RNA editing pseudouridylation platform designed to enable the suppression of nonsense mutations and premature stop codons, which can edit a uridine (U) into a pseudouridine.Potential additional new pipeline target announcements in 2024.Continue to execute on partnership with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), with potential data updates to come in 2024 along with potential milestone income from existing partnership, and potential option to exercise for expansion of deal to 15 targets, which would result in a $50 million opt-in payment to ProQR.ProQR may selectively form new partnerships, which could include multi-target discovery alliances, or product alliances on specific programs. Year End 2023 Financial Highlights At December 31, 2023, ProQR held cash and cash equivalents of €118.9 million, compared to €94.8 million at December 31, 2022. Net cash generated by operating activities during the full year ended December 31, 2023 was €21.5 million, compared to €68.5 million net cash used in operating activities for the same period in 2022. The Company experienced a net positive cash flow from operating activities in 2023 primarily due to the receipt of the Lilly up-front payment of $60 million in February 2023. Research and development costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 were €25.1 million, compared to €50.9 million for the same period in 2022. Research and development costs for the year end December 31, 2022 included costs related to the winding down of ophthalmology programs, including the clinical trials. General and administrative costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 were €16.2 million, compared to €18.7 million for the same period in 2022. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was €27.7 million or €0.35 per diluted share, compared to €64.2 million, or €0.90 per diluted share for the same period ended December 31, 2022. For further financial information for the period ended December 31, 2023, please refer to our 2023 Annual Report on Form 20-F and our Statutory Annual Report which will be available on our website, www. proqr.com under Financials and Filings. About Axiomer™ ProQR is pioneering a next-generation RNA base editing technology called Axiomer™, which could potentially yield a new class of medicines for diverse types of diseases. Axiomer™ “Editing Oligonucleotides”, or EONs, mediate single nucleotide changes to RNA in a highly specific and targeted way using molecular machinery that is present in human cells called ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA). Axiomer™ EONs are designed to recruit and direct endogenously expressed ADARs to change an Adenosine (A) to an Inosine (I) in the RNA – an Inosine is translated as a Guanosine (G) – correcting an RNA with a disease-causing mutation back to a normal (wild type) RNA, modulating protein expression, or altering a protein so that it will have a new function that helps prevent or treat disease. About Biliary Atresia (BA) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) Cholestatic disorders refer to a group of diseases presenting excessive and toxic buildup of bile acids in the liver due to bile ducts dysfunction. This leads to liver damage and a range of debilitating symptoms. Without treatment, liver damage can progress through various stages, ultimately leading to liver failure and elevated risk of liver malignancy, affecting life expectancy. Cholestatic diseases remain leading causes of liver transplantation. There are no approved therapies for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) for adults and biliary atresia (BA) for pediatrics It is estimated that 80,000 and 20,000 individuals have PSC and BA, respectively, in North America and in Europe. About AX-0810 targeting NTCP The majority of the bile acids present in the liver cells originate from the enterohepatic reuptake cycle. The key transporter responsible for hepatic uptake of bile acids from portal circulation is the sodium (Na+)-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP, SLC10A1 gene) expressed in the liver. AX-0810 is designed to introduce a loss of function variant in SLC10A1 RNA that has been found in human genetics to prevent re-uptake of bile acids in liver via NTCP. Based on its mechanism of action, AX-0810 has the potential to become a disease modifying treatment for PSC and BA primarily among other cholestatic diseases. About Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of health conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis which can lead to severe problems like heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. CVDs represent the leading cause of disability and death in the world. Approximately 18 million people die every year from CVDs representing one third of all the global deaths. Despite available lipid lowering therapies and hypertension medications, the risk of CVDs is still projected to increase rapidly over the coming years. About AX-1412 targeting B4GALT1 Gene–based analysis of rare beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 (B4GALT1) missense variant (p.Asn352Ser) is known to lead to B4GALT1 protein loss of function and showed an association with decreased coronary artery disease. These beneficial effects are mediated by hypo-galactosylation of the apolipoprotein B100 and fibrinogen, known – independent – drivers of increased risk of CVDs. AX-1412 introduces a protective variant into B4GALT1 RNA to address the remaining residual risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. ProQR intends to advance AX-1412 targeting B4GALT1 to early clinical proof of concept stage, then would seek to partner this program. About ProQR ProQR Therapeutics is dedicated to changing lives through the creation of transformative RNA therapies. ProQR is pioneering a next-generation RNA technology called Axiomer™, which uses a cell’s own editing machinery called ADAR to make specific single nucleotide edits in RNA to reverse a mutation or modulate protein expression and could potentially yield a new class of medicines for both rare and prevalent diseases with unmet need. Based on our unique proprietary RNA repair platform technologies we are growing our pipeline with patients and loved ones in mind. Learn more about ProQR at www.proqr.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “continue,” "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "look forward to", "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our business, preclinical model data, our initial pipeline targets and the upcoming strategic priorities and milestones related thereto, our Axiomer™ platform, including the continued development and advancement of our Axiomer platform, the therapeutic potential of our Axiomer RNA editing oligonucleotides and our ability to expand preclinical in vivo and in vitro data, the timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies and other development activities, including the release of data related thereto, our patent estate, including our anticipated strength and our continued investment in it, as well as the timing of our clinical development, the potential of our technologies and product candidates, the collaboration with Lilly and the intended benefits thereof, and our financial position and cash-runway. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information available to management only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and other factors in our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including certain sections of our annual report filed on Form 20-F. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the cost, timing and results of preclinical studies and clinical trials and other development activities by us and our collaborative partners whose operations and activities may be slowed or halted shortage and pressure on supply and logistics on the global market; the likelihood of our preclinical and clinical programs being initiated and executed on timelines provided and reliance on our contract research organizations and predictability of timely enrollment of subjects and patients to advance our clinical trials and maintain their own operations; our reliance on contract manufacturers to supply materials for research and development and the risk of supply interruption from a contract manufacturer; the potential for future data to alter initial and preliminary results of early-stage clinical trials; the unpredictability of the duration and results of the regulatory review of applications or clearances that are necessary to initiate and continue to advance and progress our clinical programs; the ability to secure, maintain and realize the intended benefits of collaborations with partners, including the collaboration with Lilly; the possible impairment of, inability to obtain, and costs to obtain intellectual property rights; possible safety or efficacy concerns that could emerge as new data are generated in research and development; general business, operational, financial and accounting risks, and risks related to litigation and disputes with third parties; and risks related to macroeconomic conditions and market volatility resulting from global economic developments, geopolitical instability and conflicts. Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future, except as required by law. ProQR Therapeutics N.V. Investor contact:Sarah KielyProQR Therapeutics N.V.T: +1 617 599 6228skiely@proqr.comorPeter KelleherLifeSci AdvisorsT: +1 617 430 7579 pkelleher@lifesciadvisors.com Media contact:Robert StanislaroFTI ConsultingT: +1 212 850 5657robert.stanislaro@fticonsulting.com

引言组蛋白变体H2A.Z在启动子上发现并调节转录。ATP依赖性染色质重塑器SRCAP复合体(SRCAP-C)促进标准组蛋白H2A.Z-H2B二聚体被H2A–H2B取代。2024年2月8日，复旦大学徐彦辉及Wang Li共同通讯在Cell Discovery（IF 33.5）在线发表题为“Structural insights into histone exchange by human SRCAP complex”的研究论文，该研究确定了人类SRCAP-C与含H2A的核小体结合的结构。在真核细胞中，基因组DNA包裹在组蛋白八聚体周围，在基因组上产生排列的核小体。典型核小体包含四个组蛋白H2A、H2B、H3和H4的两个拷贝。为了实现功能调节，ATP依赖性染色质重塑复合体(重塑复合体)改变核小体的组成和沿DNA的位置。染色质重塑复合物根据其催化ATP酶的异同可分为4个家族：模仿开关(ISWI)、染色质结构域解旋酶DNA结合(CHD)、开关/sucrose不可发酵(SWI/ SNF)和肌醇营养不良80 (INO80)。其中两种重塑蛋白由单个亚基(CHD家族)或几个亚基(ISWI家族)组成。相比之下，SWI/SNF和INO80家族是多亚基复合物，除了超家族II解旋酶样运动亚基外，还含有肌动蛋白和肌动蛋白相关蛋白(ARPs)以及其他具有不同功能的重塑蛋白特异性亚基。人类染色质重塑子SNF2相关CPB激活蛋白(SRCAP)复合物(SRCAP-C)及其酵母对应物SWR1复合物(SWR-C)属于INO80染色质重塑子家族。SRCAP-C和SWR-C可以用H2A.Z-H2B二聚体以ATP依赖的方式取代H2A-H2B二聚体，这一过程可能需要组蛋白伴侣。生成的H2A.Z含核小体富集于几乎所有常染色质基因的启动子区域，并参与转录和其他过程的调控，如DNA复制、DNA修复和染色体分离。在真核细胞中，H2A.Z主要存在于它位于启动子的远端，在RNAPII的起始和延伸中起关键作用。H2A.Z在复制起点也广泛富集，并通过调节早期复制起点的起始和复制时间与DNA复制直接相关。此外，研究表明，协调H2A.Z双链断裂(DSBs)中的动力学对DNA修复至关重要。H2A.Z在染色体分离过程中也起着至关重要的作用，以维持基因组处于稳定状态。与其他染色质重塑子不同，SWR-C与核小体结合并诱导DNA展开和重新包裹，但不产生净DNA易位，表现出一种典型特征。核小体结合的SRCAP-C的整体结构（Credit: Cell Discovery）人SRCAP-C是一种~1-MDa复合物，由SRCAP、YL1、RUVBL1、RUVBL2、ARP6、ZNHIT1、DMAP1、ACTL6A、ACTB和YEATS4等10个亚基组成，酵母SRCAP-C由10个相同的亚基组成，分别为Swr1、Swc2、RvB1、RvB2、ARP6、Swc6、Swc4、Arp4、Actin、Yaf9和另外4个酵母特异性亚基Swc3、Swc5、Swc7和Bdf1。先前的研究已经揭示了酵母SWR-C、人SRCAP-C和核小体结合酵母SWR-C在ATP类似物ADP-BeFx存在下的结构。SWR-C含有RuvBL蛋白的异六聚体，Swr1中的插入物通过RuvBL六聚体延伸。Swr1的ATP酶结构域在超螺旋位置(SHL) 2上抓住DNA，导致DNA在ADP-BeFx结合状态下移位1bp。此外，进入DNA部分被解开，组蛋白核心“弯曲”。与酵母SWR-C相比，SRCAP-C采用了大致相似的结构，包含一个带有两个独立臂的环状“头”。该研究测定了核小体结合的SRCAP-C在不同核苷酸结合状态下的结构，并进行了结构引导染色质免疫沉淀测序(ChIP-seq)分析，以测试ZNHIT1对H2A.Z在体内掺入的影响。SRCAP-C介导的Z交换。SRCAP亚基集成了一个6亚基肌动蛋白相关蛋白(ARP)模块和一个含ATP酶的马达模块。ATP酶相关的ARP模块沿DNA包围核小体的一半，并可能抑制净DNA易位，这是SRCAP-C的独特特征。motor模块在载脂蛋白(无核苷酸)、ADP结合和ADP-BeFx结合状态下采用不同的核小体结合模式，表明ATP酶驱动的运动通过解开进入DNA的包裹使H2A-H2B不稳定，并通过ZNHIT1亚基将H2A-H2B拉出核小体。结构导向的染色质免疫沉淀测序分析证实了H2A接触ZNHIT1维持H2A.Z基因组上占用率的必要性。该研究为SRCAP-C介导的H2A-H2A.Z交换机制提供了结构性的见解。原文链接https://www-nature-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/articles/s41421-023-00640-1责编|探索君排版|探索君文章来源|“iNature”End往期精选围观一文读透细胞死亡(Cell Death) | 24年Cell重磅综述（长文收藏版）热文Science最新发布：全世界最前沿的125个科学问题热文Nature | 2024年值得关注的七项技术热文Nature | 自身免疫性疾病能被治愈吗？科学家们终于看到了希望热文Nature | 癌症与神经系统的致命舞蹈

Platform demonstrates robust in vivo editing capabilities reporting up to 70% editing of ACTB in the liver of non-human primates (NHPs) and miceFunctional effect demonstrated in mice in vivo via modulation of ANGPLT3 protein properties leading to favorable increase in LPL enzymatic activity and meaningful impact of biomarkersAdditional data to be presented throughout 2024, including in vitro and in vivo data for pipeline programs AX-0810 for Cholestatic diseases targeting NTCP and AX-1412 for Cardiovascular diseases targeting B4GALT1 LEIDEN, Netherlands & CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProQR Therapeutics NV (Nasdaq: PRQR) (ProQR), a company dedicated to changing lives through transformative RNA therapies based on its proprietary Axiomer™ RNA editing technology platform, today highlighted key updates from its oral presentation at the 5th International Conference on Base Editing, Prime Editing & Related Enzymes (Deaminet 2024) in San Diego, California. “We were pleased to present new in vivo data for our proprietary Axiomer RNA editing technology platform at the Deaminet 2024 meeting, demonstrating robust editing of ACTB in the liver of NHP, as well as functional protein data with the liver target ANGPTL3 in mice,” said Gerard Platenburg, Chief Scientific Officer of ProQR. “To date, we have generated robust in vitro and in vivo preclinical platform data across a range of liver and CNS targets. These encouraging data and the progress of our science reinforce the potential of our Axiomer RNA editing oligonucleotides, and we look forward to presenting additional platform data, as well as the first preclinical data for our pipeline programs at upcoming scientific meetings, as we move our technology forward towards trials in humans.” Key updates from the presentation included: Axiomer Editing Oligonucleotides (EONs) demonstrated high intrinsic editing capability in the liver across models. Presentation of new data highlighting up to 70% editing efficiency of ACTB in liver of mice and NHPs at multiple timepoints.Editing levels confirmed through several reliable RNA analysis methods, including dPCR and RNAseq, showing consistent results.An EON editing ANGPTL3 in mice resulted in a 2-fold increase in lipoprotein lipase activity and a related decrease of LDL cholesterol in plasma of 40% in vivo.Preliminary nonclinical safety assessment showed a similar safety profile compared to other single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides.Ongoing platform advancements anticipated through increased knowledge of ADAR biology, selection of models for prediction of Axiomer potential in human tissue, EON sequence optimization, and investigation of delivery options. These new preclinical platform data further highlight the potential of Axiomer EONs in preparation for clinical development and supporting discovery of potential new therapeutic applications. The presentation “Axiomer™, an RNA editing technology to address liver-originated disorders and beyond” is available via ProQR’s website in the Presentations and Publications section. About Axiomer™ ProQR is pioneering a next-generation RNA base editing technology called Axiomer™, which could potentially yield a new class of medicines for diverse types of diseases. Axiomer “Editing Oligonucleotides”, or EONs, mediate single nucleotide changes to RNA in a highly specific and targeted way using molecular machinery that is present in human cells called ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA). Axiomer EONs are designed to recruit and direct endogenously expressed ADARs to change an Adenosine (A) to an Inosine (I) in the RNA – an Inosine is translated as a Guanosine (G) – correcting an RNA with a disease-causing mutation back to a normal (wild type) RNA, modulating protein expression, or altering a protein so that it will have a new function that helps prevent or treat disease. About ProQR ProQR Therapeutics is dedicated to changing lives through the creation of transformative RNA therapies. ProQR is pioneering a next-generation RNA technology called Axiomer™, which uses a cell’s own editing machinery called ADAR to make specific single nucleotide edits in RNA to reverse a mutation or modulate protein expression and could potentially yield a new class of medicines for both rare and prevalent diseases with unmet need. Based on our unique proprietary RNA repair platform technologies we are growing our pipeline with patients and loved ones in mind. Learn more about ProQR at www.proqr.com. Forward Looking Statements for ProQR This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “continue,” "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "look forward to", "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our Axiomer™ technology, including the continued development and advancement of our Axiomer platform, the therapeutic potential of our Axiomer RNA editing oligonucleotides and our ability to expand preclinical in vivo and in vitro data, the timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies and other development activities, including the release of data related thereto, and the potential of our technologies and product candidates . Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information available to management only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and other factors in our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including certain sections of our most recent annual report filed on Form 20-F. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the cost, timing and results of preclinical studies and clinical trials and other development activities by us and our collaborative partners whose operations and activities may be slowed or halted shortage and pressure on supply and logistics on the global market; the likelihood of our preclinical and clinical programs being initiated and executed on timelines provided and reliance on our contract research organizations and predictability of timely enrollment of subjects and patients to advance our clinical trials and maintain their own operations; our reliance on contract manufacturers or suppliers to supply materials for research and development and the risk of supply interruption or delays from suppliers or contract manufacturers; the potential for future data to alter initial and preliminary results of early-stage clinical trials; the unpredictability of the duration and results of the regulatory review of applications or clearances that are necessary to initiate and continue to advance and progress our clinical programs; the ability to secure, maintain and realize the intended benefits of collaborations with partners, including the collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company; the possible impairment of, inability to obtain, and costs to obtain intellectual property rights; possible safety or efficacy concerns that could emerge as new data are generated in research and development; general business, operational, financial and accounting risks, and risks related to litigation and disputes with third parties; and risks related to macroeconomic conditions and market volatility resulting from global economic developments, geopolitical instability and conflicts. Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future, except as required by law. ProQR Therapeutics N.V. Investor contact:Sarah KielyProQR Therapeutics N.V.T: +1 617 599 6228skiely@proqr.comorPeter KelleherLifeSci AdvisorsT: +1 617 430 7579 pkelleher@lifesciadvisors.com Media contact:Robert StanislaroFTI ConsultingT: +1 212 850 5657robert.stanislaro@fticonsulting.com