February 13, 2026- Apertura Gene Therapy has announced the launch of Open Aperture, a new material transfer agreement (MTA) program providing qualified academic researchers with no-cost access to TfR1 CapX, its central nervous system (CNS)-targeting AAV capsid.
The program is designed to democratize access to clinically relevant AAV capsids for non-commercial research at accredited academic institutions. TfR1 CapX is engineered to bind human transferrin receptor 1 (hTfR1), enabling intravenous (IV) delivery across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and broad distribution throughout the brain and spinal cord.
Open Aperture offers:
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No-cost access to TfR1 CapX for eligible academic laboratories
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A streamlined online application process
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Guidance on chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) and preclinical development
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Introductions to experienced third-party CMC vendors and CRO partners
TfR1 CapX builds on platform technology developed by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where earlier research on first-generation capsids (BI-hTFR1) was published in Science. Apertura reports that TfR1 CapX is a proprietary second-generation capsid with improved CNS delivery compared to BI-hTFR1.
Human TfR1 has been studied for over four decades as a receptor with BBB-shuttling potential. Apertura states it is the first biotechnology company to successfully target hTfR1 using an engineered AAV capsid for systemic CNS delivery across patient populations.
TfR1 CapX is currently being prepared for clinical use, with partner programs expected to enter the clinic this year and next. Clinical readiness has been supported by preclinical development, regulatory engagement, and manufacturing activities with CDMOs.
The Open Aperture initiative reflects a broader effort to accelerate CNS gene therapy development by expanding access to next-generation AAV capsid technologies within the academic community.
