Sangamo Therapeutics Enter into Agreement with Genentech for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Wednesday, August 07, 2024
Sangamo Therapeutics a leader in genomic medicine, has announced a licensing agreement with Genentech, part of the Roche Group, to develop intravenously administered genomic treatments for specific neurodegenerative disorders.
As per the agreement, Sangamo will handle the technology transfer and some preclinical activities, while Genentech will oversee clinical development, regulatory processes, manufacturing, and global commercialisation. Genentech is expected to pay Sangamo $50 million in upfront license fees and milestone payments in the near term. Sangamo could earn up to $1.9 billion in development and commercial milestones for multiple potential products under this agreement, along with tiered royalties on net sales, subject to specified reductions.
This agreement with Genentech to advance potential treatments for devastating neurodegenerative disorders hopes to be the start of several capsid collaborations with other partners.
Sangamo has provided Genentech with an exclusive license to its proprietary zinc finger repressors targeting the tau gene, which plays a critical role in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies, as well as a second, undisclosed neurology target. Additionally, Sangamo has agreed to license its neurotropic adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, STAC-BBB, to Genentech. This capsid has shown significant blood-brain barrier penetration and brain transduction in nonhuman primates.
The newly discovered STAC-BBB AAV capsid, delivered intravenously, promises to overcome long-standing obstacles in delivering therapies to the central nervous system.
Combined expertise in neurological research uniquely positions to explore innovative treatments, including gene therapy, for neurodegenerative diseases. This commitment to scientific innovation through partnerships with companies like Sangamo drives towards significant advancements in early diagnosis and treatment.
Sangamo remains engaged in discussions with other potential partners regarding its STAC-BBB capsid delivery platform, epigenetic regulation capabilities, and additional assets, including treatments for Fabry disease.
Source: sangamo.com
