The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) has announced a significant investment of $100,000 in EverTree Bio, aimed at advancing treatments for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Type 1A (CMT1A). This condition is the most prevalent form of the inherited neurological disorder, which currently has no approved therapies. The funding comes as part of CMTA’s broader initiative to transform early scientific findings into viable treatment options for patients affected by this debilitating disease.
This investment is particularly noteworthy as it follows promising early testing of EverTree’s therapeutic approach, conducted through the CMTA Preclinical Toolbox. This program is designed to assist researchers and emerging biotechnology startups in generating crucial disease-specific data necessary for advancing drug development.
Focus on Restoring Nerve Health
EverTree Bio’s research is centered on developing an early-stage therapy that addresses the underlying biological mechanisms of CMT1A. The company aims to restore glial cell function, promote myelination—the protective sheath surrounding nerves—and enhance overall nerve health. These processes are severely disrupted in individuals living with CMT, leading to progressive muscle weakness and sensory loss.
CMTA’s funding reflects its commitment to bridging early-stage financing gaps that often hinder promising research from attracting traditional investment. Although structured as an investment, CMTA emphasizes that this support is mission-driven with a direct focus on patient impact.
Dr. Sue Bruhn, CEO of CMTA, expressed pride in backing scientific endeavors that tackle the core biology of CMT1A in innovative ways. She stated that EverTree’s efforts align closely with CMTA’s mission to promote patient-focused research that might otherwise not receive adequate attention.
Collaboration Leads to Progress
The partnership between CMTA and EverTree Bio began with the Preclinical Toolbox initiative, which provides validated disease models and essential translational tools. Data generated through this collaboration have laid the groundwork for EverTree’s current program and the latest funding.
Dr. Sarah Kishinevsky, co-founder and CEO of EverTree Bio, praised CMTA as a vital partner since the project’s inception. She noted that the association’s early support helped validate the company’s scientific approach and will enable it to broaden its research efforts.
CMTA’s investment not only strengthens its commitment to building a pipeline of effective therapies for CMT but also combines financial support with ongoing guidance and collaboration. For EverTree, this backing is crucial as it strives to advance its early-stage program in an area where conventional funding remains limited.
This development marks a significant step forward in the quest for effective treatments for CMT1A, offering hope to patients and families affected by this challenging condition. As research progresses, the collaboration between CMTA and EverTree Bio may pave the way for breakthroughs in therapies that have long been awaited by the CMT community.
