Clinical-stage biotechnology firm Applied Genetic Technologies Corp. (AGTC:NASDAQ), which is engaged in exploring gene therapies for the treatment of rare and inherited diseases, today announced positive interim six-month data from its ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical program in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). The company reported that "the results show that patients treated centrally with its product candidate demonstrated durable improvement in visual function six months after dosing." The firm claimed that the additional data reinforces previously reported efficacy and safety results and that the updated data will be used in the design and implementation of the company's XLRP pivotal trial that is anticipated to commence by the end of 2020. AGTC stated that it plans to review the data from the XLRP and achromatopsia Phase 1/2 clinical programs at an R&D Day in New York City on January 28, 2020.