Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk will have the option to license 2seventy bio's proprietary mRNA-based megaTAL technology for the development of a new treatment approach for hemophilia A, with the goal of offering a sustained therapeutic effect in patients. The agreement with Novo Nordisk builds on a research collaboration agreement signed between Bluebird Bio and Novo Nordisk in 2019, which is focused on identifying a gene therapy candidate for people with hemophilia A.

The collaboration utilizes 2seventy bio's megaTAL technology that has the potential to provide a highly specific and efficient way to silence, edit, or insert genetic components, according to the companies. Hemophilia A is a genetic bleeding disorder resulting from defective factor VIII.

2seventy bio will receive an upfront payment of $5 million and is eligible for near-term milestone and option exercise payments of up to $35 million. In addition, the company is eligible to receive development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, as well as a royalty on net sales. Novo Nordisk will be responsible for funding all R&D activities.