Vertex, Obsidian partner on regulated gene editing therapies

By The Science Advisory Board staff writers

April 22, 2021 -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Obsidian Therapeutics have entered a research collaboration and licensing agreement focused on the discovery of novel therapies that regulate gene editing for the treatment of serious diseases.

The collaboration will leverage Obsidian's cytoDrive platform technology to discover gene editing medicines whose therapeutic activity can be controlled using small molecules and Vertex's scientific and clinical capabilities in small-molecule, cell, and genetic therapies to accelerate the medicines to the clinic. Obsidian's cytoDrive technology provides a way to control protein degradation using small molecules, permitting precise control of the timing and level of protein expression.

Under the agreement, Obsidian will use its cytoDrive technology to develop novel, regulated gene editing therapy candidates for multiple undisclosed diseases. Vertex will have the exclusive option to license worldwide rights to candidates discovered under the collaboration. Following exercise of its options, Vertex will be responsible for the further preclinical and clinical development and commercialization of candidates.

Vertex will pay Obsidian up to $75 million in upfront payments and research milestones that may be paid during the research term, including an equity investment in Obsidian. Obsidian is eligible to receive up to $1.3 billion in potential payments based upon the successful achievement of specified research, development, regulatory, and commercial milestones across up to five potential programs.

In addition, Vertex will pay tiered royalties on future net sales on any products that may result from this collaboration.

Vertex, CRISPR Therapeutics ink deal on sickle cell gene therapy
Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics have amended their collaboration agreement to develop, manufacture, and commercialize CTX001, an ex vivo...
Obsidian, MD Anderson partner on solid tumor cell therapy
Obsidian Therapeutics and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have entered a multiyear strategic collaboration for the research and development...
Moderna, Vertex collaborate on gene editing therapies for cystic fibrosis
Moderna and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have entered a three-year research collaboration for the discovery and development of lipid nanoparticles and messenger...
Bristol Myers Squibb licenses cell therapy candidate from Obsidian
Bristol Myers Squibb has exercised an option to an exclusive worldwide license to a cell therapy candidate based on Obsidian Therapeutics' cytoDrive technology.

Copyright © 2021 scienceboard.net


Conferences
Connect
Science Advisory Board on LinkedIn
Science Advisory Board on Facebook
Science Advisory Board on Twitter