Klaudia Kuranda joins Genethon and the Institute of Myology to create a center of expertise dedicated to immunology
An internationally recognized expert in the field of immunology and the development of gene therapies, Klaudia Kuranda is joining the AFM-Téléthon laboratories to establish and lead a new Immunology Center that will bring together the complementary expertise of Genethon, a leading gene therapy non-profit biotech organization, and the Institute of Myology, a center of expertise for muscle and muscle disorders.
The newly created Immunology Center will serve as a driving force for innovation, spearheading ambitious research programs and accelerating discoveries in muscle immunology and immune responses to gene therapies across muscle and other rare disorders. Designed as an integrated collaborative hub from research to the clinic, it will provide a unique platform for researchers and gene therapy developers, to share expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and exclusive preclinical models and clinical experience available across both institutions. The Center will also focus on advancing the understanding, monitoring, and management of immune responses associated with gene therapy treatments, addressing the challenges of repeated administration, and developing solutions for patients with pre-existing immunity to adeno-associated viruses (AAV), widely used vectors for the delivery of therapeutic genes to muscle and other cell types.
This expertise will also be a valuable asset in the face of emerging new treatments (CAR-T cells, immunotherapy, etc.) that can damage muscle tissue and impact the overall health of the patient being treated.
Klaudia Kuranda has broad expertise in immunology, including onco-immunology, and more than a decade of experience in studying immune responses to gene therapies, with a strong record of scientific achievement and patents. She brings six years of leadership experience in a U.S.-based gene therapy biotechnology company, where she founded and led an Immunology Department comprising several interdisciplinary teams. Her professional experience also includes service on scientific advisory boards, consulting for biotechnology companies, and co-leading a European research consortium.
“We are delighted to welcome Klaudia Kuranda, whose expertise will be a real asset in strengthening our R&D in the field of immunology, a key factor in the efficacy and potential side effects of gene therapy treatments. The creation of this unique center illustrates our strategy of excellence in developing and making curative products available to patients for the benefit of as many people as possible.” Frédéric Revah, CEO of Généthon.
“Structuring a scientific focus dedicated to muscle immunology is essential for our ecosystem. We now know that a detailed understanding of tissue immune responses directly determines the success of the innovations that patients need. This new thematic focus fills a major gap in research by bringing together expertise that had never before been aligned in such a coherent manner. For the Muscle Foundation, this is a decisive step: it paves the way for an integrated scientific strategy capable of improving knowledge of muscle tissue-specific immunology, accelerating discoveries, and transforming the long-term care of patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases or muscle damage in the context of other diseases or treatments.” Fabrice Chrétien, Scientific Director of the Institute of Myology.
“I am thrilled to join the AFM-Téléthon laboratories and to launch the Center of Immunology, a game-changer for muscle immunology. This unique environment brings together world-class expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and invaluable clinical samples generously donated by patients with neuromuscular disorders. I am confident that, together, we can make a real difference for patients who need it most.” Klaudia Kuranda, Head of Immunology – Genethon / Institute of Myology.
