Genzyme teams up with Voyager Therapeutics to develop AAV gene therapies for CNS disorders

Published: 12-Feb-2015
Research & Development

Will make an upfront payment of US$100m to Voyager


Sanofi's Genzyme and Voyager Therapeutics, a Cambridge, MA, US-based gene therapy company, are to collaborate in the development of novel gene therapies for severe CNS disorders.

The collaboration will leverage Genzyme's leadership in the field of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy and Voyager's AAV product engine to develop breakthrough therapies for these conditions.

Genzyme will make an upfront payment of US$100m to Voyager, including $65m in cash, a $30m equity investment and additional in-kind contributions. Voyager is eligible to receive future potential development and sales milestone payments of up to $745m, as well as tiered royalties on product sales.

The alliance will encompass multiple gene therapy programmes for Parkinson's disease, Friedreich's ataxia and Huntington's disease, as well as other CNS disorders. The collaboration portfolio created will combine programmes and intellectual property from both companies.

Voyager will drive research and development activities and Genzyme will have the option to license several programmes following completion of an initial proof-of-concept human clinical trial.

Voyager will retain US rights to its lead product programmes in Parkinson's disease (VY-AADC01) and Friedreich's ataxia (VY-FXN01). The company will split US profits with Genzyme for the Huntington's disease programme (VY-HTT01).

Voyager's lead amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) programme (VY-SOD101) is not part of the collaboration and the company retains worldwide rights.

David Meeker, President and CEO of Genzyme, said: 'We've been working in gene therapy for more than 20 years, and our commitment remains strong because we believe in its promise to transform the lives of patients with debilitating diseases.

'The field of gene therapy has advanced rapidly in the past several years, and the science has never been better. Joining together with a great partner in Voyager allows us to strengthen and accelerate our efforts to address a set of very challenging neurological diseases.'

  • Companies:
  • Genzyme
  • Voyager Therapeutics
See more

You may also like

Research & Development

Sanofi Genzyme forms multiple sclerosis research alliance with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Read more
To focus on understanding the underlying causes of disease progression in MS

Trending Articles

  1. Sartorius Stedim Biotech supports bioprocess development with new Innovation Centre The Massachusetts, US-based Centre for Bioprocess Innovation is a collaborative space designed to develop and optimise biomanufacturing processes
  2. Aurobindo Pharma signs $25m respiratory drug development and commercialisation deal with global pharma company The companies will co-develop and commercialise respiratory therapeutics, diversifying Aurobindo's current portfolio
  3. Steritas and argenx join forces to advance steroid-sparing therapeutic development With the help of Steritas' STOX Suite, argenx aims to develop antibody-based therapeutics for immune diseases, potentially allowing patients to move away from chronic steroid usage
  4. BioPharmaSpec expands its biopharma discovery and preclinical capabilities with three new facilities The contract research organisation (CRO) has expanded its European presence with three facilities, which are catered for biopharmaceutical drug discovery and preclinical characterisation
  5. Efficient PFAS-free degassing of aqueous solutions New silicone-based degassing chamber eliminates the risk of PFAS contamination

Upcoming event

CPhI Middle East

10–12 December 2024 | Conference | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia See all

You may also like

Research & Development

Sanofi Genzyme forms multiple sclerosis research alliance with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

To focus on understanding the underlying causes of disease progression in MS
Research & Development

Genzyme collaborates with Ablynx on multiple sclerosis project

Genzyme's research efforts aim to address the underlying causes of MS disease progression
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Regulatory

New NCEs focus on cancer and orphan diseases

The number of NCEs approved in Europe increased again in 2014, with the spotlight on cancer drugs and treatments for unmet medical needs. Dr Sarah Houlton reviews the new entrants
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Regulatory

NCEs target cancer

As the number of NCE approvals continues to rise, researchers are looking increasingly at anticancer treatments, particularly those involving new tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Dr Sarah Houlton sums up the latest arrivals on the scene
Research & Development

Genzyme and Alnylam expand rare genetic diseases collaboration

Genzyme becomes major shareholder in the company through a US$700m equity investment
Research & Development

Genzyme to pay Alynlam US$22.5m to develop ATTR drug in Asia

Hereditary disease is endemic in Japan, resulting in a life expectancy of 5 to 15 years
Regulatory

A lucrative niche in orphan diseases?

The number of potential blockbuster drugs is in decline so many Big Pharma companies are looking to rare diseases to fill their pipelines because low sales volumes can be balanced out by premium prices.
Subscribe now