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Syndeo Life Inc.: Biotech Startup Selected for Drive Accelerator Program

Syndeo Life, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a biotechnology company and Johns Hopkins University spinout developing gene therapies and biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases driven by TDP-43 dysfunction. Its lead program, AAV9-CTR, is designed to restore TDP-43 splicing repression across the transcriptome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Syndeo is also advancing a proprietary fluid biomarker platform designed to support patient selection and target engagement, with potential expansion into frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer’s disease.

Solutions

Syndeo Life is developing AAV9-CTR, a one-time intrathecal gene therapy for diseases associated with TDP-43 dysfunction. AAV9-CTR delivers CTR, a chimeric TDP-43/RAVER1 protein designed to restore TDP-43 splicing repression across the transcriptome. The therapy also includes an autoregulatory element designed to limit overexpression.

Unlike approaches that target a single downstream cryptic exon, AAV9-CTR addresses the broader effects of TDP-43 loss of function. Syndeo is pairing its gene therapy with its proprietary cryptic HDGFL2 fluid biomarker, which is detectable in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is being developed to support patient selection and measurement of target engagement.

Because TDP-43 pathology occurs in more than 97% of cases, the company is initially developing AAV9-CTR for ALS, with potential expansion into FTD and Alzheimer’s disease.

Strengths

  • Transcriptome-Wide Rescue: AAV9-CTR is designed to restore TDP-43 splicing repression across the transcriptome, addressing hundreds of cryptic exon errors rather than a single downstream target.
  • Mechanistic Biomarker: Syndeo’s proprietary cryptic HDGFL2 fluid biomarker is detectable in blood and CSF and is being developed to support early patient identification, target engagement and treatment monitoring.
  • Preclinical Validation: In a rodent ALS model, AAV-CTR administered after symptom onset improved motor performance and body weight, preserved motor neurons and rescued survival compared with controls.
  • Protected Platform: Syndeo has an exclusive option to its therapeutic IP and has exclusively licensed its biomarker IP from Johns Hopkins.

Meet the Team

From left to right:

Jonathan Ling, Ph.D. | Scientific Founder & CTO

Li Chin Wong, Ph.D. | Co-Founder & CSO

Philip Wong, Ph.D. | Scientific Founder

Meet the Fall 2026 Drive Cohorts

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.