Sangamo and Genentech to Develop Genomic Medicines for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Sangamo Therapeutics Enters License Agreement with Genentech to Develop Genomic Medicines for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., a leader in genomic medicine, announced on Tuesday that it has entered an exclusive license agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. This collaboration aims to develop intravenously administered genomic medicines targeting neurodegenerative diseases. Under the agreement, Sangamo will grant Genentech exclusive rights to its proprietary zinc finger repressors, specifically targeting the tau gene, which plays a crucial role in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. Additionally, an undisclosed second neurology target is included in the agreement.
Sangamo will also license its proprietary neurotropic adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, STAC-BBB, to Genentech. This capsid has shown exceptional blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and brain transduction in nonhuman primates, marking a significant advancement in delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system.
Sandy Macrae, CEO of Sangamo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential of their zinc finger technology to regulate key genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Macrae emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the STAC-BBB capsid, which addresses longstanding challenges in CNS therapeutics delivery. He noted the potential for this collaboration to pave the way for future partnerships, stating:
“Sangamo has been pioneering the field of genomic medicine for years to address devastating neurodegenerative diseases with limited current treatment options. We strongly believe in the power of our zinc finger technology to regulate the expression of key genes involved in disease. The recent discovery of our industry-leading intravenously delivered AAV capsid, STAC-BBB, has the potential to address longstanding challenges in delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system. We are excited to share this powerful combination with Genentech to advance potential treatment options for devastating neurodegenerative disorders, and we are hopeful this could be the first of multiple capsid collaborations to come with other partners.”
Boris L. Zaïtra, Head of Roche Corporate Business Development, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the combined expertise and resources of both companies in neurological research. Zaïtra underscored the commitment to scientific innovation and the pursuit of breakthroughs in early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, commenting:
“We are uniquely positioned with our collective experience, expertise and resources in neurological research to explore transformative approaches, including gene therapy, that treat neurodegenerative diseases. Through groundbreaking research and partnerships with companies such as Sangamo, we are committed to pursuing important breakthroughs in both early diagnosis and treatment. Our relentless pursuit of scientific innovation is taking us into areas of enormous unmet medical need and progress in treating diseases of the brain and nervous system.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Sangamo will handle the technology transfer and certain preclinical activities, while Genentech will oversee clinical development, regulatory interactions, manufacturing, and global commercialization. Genentech will pay Sangamo $50 million in upfront license fees and milestone payments, with the potential for Sangamo to earn up to $1.9 billion in development and commercial milestones across multiple products. Additionally, Sangamo will receive tiered royalties on net sales of these products, subject to specific reductions.
Sangamo continues to explore further business development opportunities, engaging with potential partners to leverage its STAC-BBB capsid delivery platform, epigenetic regulation capabilities, and other assets, including those related to Fabry disease.
Original Source: businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240806084723/en/
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