Two developments targeted at adeno‑associated virus (AAV) gene therapy delivery surfaced: a point‑of‑care test for anti‑AAV8 binding antibodies and discovery of AAV variants that markedly improve vascular endothelial transduction. Chembio’s Dual Path Platform‑based POC assay detects AAV8 binding antibodies in plasma, serum and whole blood, addressing a major barrier—preexisting immunity—during patient screening. Separately, a Gene Therapy paper led by Maria Stamataki reports engineered AAV variants with enhanced transduction of human vascular endothelial cells, potentially improving systemic and vascular‑directed gene delivery. Together the studies attack both patient selection and vector potency—two central constraints for in‑vivo AAV programs.