3 August 2020

Memory loss has been reversed in mice with Alzheimer's disease following gene therapy.

A study led bybrothersProfessor Lars Ittner and Dr Arne Ittner of the Macquarie University Dementia Research Centre in Sydney Australia, has shown that the gene therapy not only halts the progression of memory loss, but it can also reverse the effects when applied to mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease.

Discussing the findings, ProfessorIttner said: 'We were completely surprised. They actually recovered their memory function and their ability to learn returned. So, two months after we treated the mice at very old ages, these mice suddenly behaved like their normal siblings.'

By introducing genetic material into the cells of affected mice, the researchers were able to activate an enzymeknown as p38gamma. Previous research by the team revealed that this enzyme, when activated, is protective against the development of Alzheimer's disease. Their latest research builds on this, using gene therapy to enhance the activity of p38gamma in mice with established memory loss.

Results from the study suggest that this gene therapy may be useful in treating other forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia, which typically affects a younger population. As there were no adverse events reported in the mice, even those treated with high doses over a longer period, the team are planning to trial the therapy in humans.

'There is no comparable therapy out there and no other gene therapy either,' said ProfessorIttner. 'This provides hope, as there is a lot of therapy out there focussed on prevention, but not much for those already affected by the disease.'

'It will be exciting to see how over ten years of basic research to understand the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease will finally transition intoclinical developmentto eventually benefit those most in need, people living with dementia' he added.

The study was published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica.

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Gene therapy reverses memory loss from Alzheimer's in mice - BioNews

Global Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market Report 2020 presents critical information and factual data about the Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market, providing an overall statistical study of this market on the basis of market drivers, market limitations, and its future prospects. The widespread Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market opportunities and trends are also taken into consideration in Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry industry. with growth trends, various stakeholders like investors, traders, suppliers, SWOT analysis Opportunities and Threat to the organization and others.

The Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market report comprises of the key trends which influence the industry growth with respect to the regional terrain and competitive arena. The study highlights the opportunities that will support the industry expansion in existing and untapped markets along with the challenges the business sphere will face. Besides this, the report also offers an intricate analysis of case studies including those of COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to provide a clear picture of this industry vertical to all shareholders.

Pivotal pointers from COVID-19 impact assessment:

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Analysis of the regional terrain:

Highlights of the Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market report:

Key Coverage of report:

Impact of the latest technological innovations on the Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market

Key growth strategies adopted by the prominent market players to address the challenges and restraints put forward by the COVID-19 pandemic

Historical and current trends likely to affect the overall market dynamics of the Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market

Growth assessment of the various market segments over the forecast timeline

Regional and global presence of major market players in the Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market

Table of Content:

1 Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market Introduction and Market Overview

1.1 Objectives of the Study

1.2 Overview of Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market

1.3 Scope of The Study

1.3.1 Key Market Segments

1.3.2 Players Covered

1.3.3 COVID-19's impact on the Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry industry

1.4 Methodology of The Study

1.5 Research Data Source

2 Executive Summary

2.1 Market Overview

2.1.1 Global Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market Size, 2015 - 2020

2.1.2 Global Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market Size by Type, 2015 - 2020

2.1.3 Global Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market Size by Application, 2015 - 2020

2.1.4 Global Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry market Size by Region, 2015 - 2025

2.2 Business Environment Analysis

2.2.1 Global COVID-19 Status and Economic Overview

2.2.2 Influence of COVID-19 Outbreak on Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry Industry Development

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Hemophilia Gene Therapy Industry Market Analysis by Size, Share, Growth, Application, Segmentation and Forecast to 2025 - Express Journal

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dyne Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing life-transforming therapeutics for patients with serious muscle diseases, today announced that it has appointed Susanna High, MBA, as its chief operating officer. Ms. High has more than two decades of experience leading corporate strategy, portfolio management, business planning and operations for biotechnology companies.

Susannas demonstrated success at innovative biotech companies will be an incredible asset to Dyne as we pursue our goal of building the worlds leading muscle disease company, said Joshua Brumm, president and chief executive officer of Dyne. I look forward to partnering with Susanna and drawing on her depth of experience, particularly in rare diseases, as we work to develop and commercialize modern oligonucleotide therapeutics for serious muscle diseases. I am thrilled to welcome Susanna to the Dyne family.

In her most recent position, Ms. High served as chief operating officer of bluebird bio where her numerous responsibilities included the advancement of the companys severe genetic disease portfolio, leading to the European filing and then approval of ZYNTEGLO, a gene therapy for the treatment of transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia, as well as overseeing the build-out of its European organization. Before joining bluebird, Ms. High worked in roles of increasing responsibility at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, including as senior vice president, strategy and business integration, where she led corporate and portfolio strategy, program and alliance management, business planning and information technology. Previously, she supported corporate strategy and business operations at Millennium Pharmaceuticals (now Takeda Oncology). Ms. High holds an M.S. in economics and business management from Bocconi University in Italy and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

The progress Dyne has made in its lead programs underscores the potential of the FORCE platform and the companys commitment to transforming the treatment opportunities for individuals living with serious muscle diseases, said Ms. High. This is an exciting time for Dyne as their programs advance towards the clinic, and I am honored to join this committed leadership team to develop potentially life-changing therapies.

About Dyne Therapeutics

Dyne Therapeutics is building a leading muscle disease company focused on advancing innovative life-transforming therapeutics for patients with genetically driven diseases. The Company utilizes its proprietary FORCE platform to overcome the current limitations of muscle tissue delivery with modern oligonucleotide therapeutic candidates. Dyne is developing a broad portfolio of therapeutics for muscle diseases, including lead programs in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Dyne was founded by Atlas Venture and is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more information, please visit http://www.dyne-tx.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Dyne Therapeutics Appoints Susanna High as Chief Operating Officer - Business Wire

Global Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market Report 2020 presents critical information and factual data about the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market, providing an overall statistical study of this market on the basis of market drivers, market limitations, and its future prospects. The widespread Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market opportunities and trends are also taken into consideration in Cell and Gene Therapy Industry industry. with growth trends, various stakeholders like investors, traders, suppliers, SWOT analysis Opportunities and Threat to the organization and others.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market report comprises of the key trends which influence the industry growth with respect to the regional terrain and competitive arena. The study highlights the opportunities that will support the industry expansion in existing and untapped markets along with the challenges the business sphere will face. Besides this, the report also offers an intricate analysis of case studies including those of COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to provide a clear picture of this industry vertical to all shareholders.

Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.cuereport.com/request-sample/27662

Pivotal pointers from COVID-19 impact assessment:

Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.cuereport.com/request-sample/27662

Analysis of the regional terrain:

Highlights of the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market report:

Key Coverage of report:

Impact of the latest technological innovations on the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market

Key growth strategies adopted by the prominent market players to address the challenges and restraints put forward by the COVID-19 pandemic

Historical and current trends likely to affect the overall market dynamics of the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market

Growth assessment of the various market segments over the forecast timeline

Regional and global presence of major market players in the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market

Table of Content:

1 Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market Introduction and Market Overview

1.1 Objectives of the Study

1.2 Overview of Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market

1.3 Scope of The Study

1.3.1 Key Market Segments

1.3.2 Players Covered

1.3.3 COVID-19's impact on the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry industry

1.4 Methodology of The Study

1.5 Research Data Source

2 Executive Summary

2.1 Market Overview

2.1.1 Global Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market Size, 2015 - 2020

2.1.2 Global Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market Size by Type, 2015 - 2020

2.1.3 Global Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market Size by Application, 2015 - 2020

2.1.4 Global Cell and Gene Therapy Industry market Size by Region, 2015 - 2025

2.2 Business Environment Analysis

2.2.1 Global COVID-19 Status and Economic Overview

2.2.2 Influence of COVID-19 Outbreak on Cell and Gene Therapy Industry Industry Development

Request Customization on This Report @ https://www.cuereport.com/request-for-customization/27662

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Cell and Gene Therapy Industry Market with manufacturers, Application, regions and SWOT Analysis 2025 - CueReport

By: Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and Anand Shah, M.D., Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs

Americans may be surprised to learn that many 21st century medical products are still being manufactured using technologies commonly employed since the middle of the last century. These manufacturing platforms are not dynamic and can increase the risk of shortages, limit flexibility during an emergency, and contribute to the high cost of medical products. For the past several years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sought to encourage and facilitate the adoption of advanced manufacturing, which refers to new and emerging approaches for the production of medical technologies.

Advanced manufacturing approaches are applicable to different medical product areas. For example, process intensification methods, such as continuous manufacturing, can simplify and centralize the production of many essential medicines. Likewise, techniques such as 3D printing can help produce patient-specific medical devices. Furthermore, digital and smart design and manufacturing processes also promise to increase efficiency and reduce uncertainty.

The potential public health value of advanced manufacturing is even greater in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the strain on supply chains and the need for adaptive manufacturing systems to accelerate the production of medical countermeasures. The FDA has established a strong regulatory foundation to support the uptake of advanced manufacturing, and COVID-19 provides the unique impetus to spur further advancement of medical manufacturing.

FDA regulations cover both sides of the innovation equation: development (whether the product meets the appropriate statutory standard) and manufacturing (whether quality products can be produced for widespread use). Many manufacturers continue to use the same production techniques that were developed more than 50 years ago. Typical manufacturing processes that use long shipping lines or outsourced supply chains render U.S. manufacturing vulnerable to delays, disruptions, and quality control issues. These existing supply chain vulnerabilities have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, batch manufacturing lacks the flexibility needed to sustainably produce therapies for the personalized medicine era; this is a significant concern given that the FDA anticipates approving approximately 40 gene therapies in the next few years.

Advanced manufacturing often enables innovation, increases in efficiency, and improved supply chain resiliency for medical products that provide wide-ranging public health benefits. Over the past decade, the FDA made strategic, forward-looking investments in personnel, policies, and processes to create a clear regulatory pathway for innovators across the three medical product areas of drugs, biologics, and devices.

First, the agency recognized that innovators seeking to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies may be concerned about the technical and regulatory challenges associated with transitioning away from their existing platforms. To this end, the FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) created the Emerging Technology Program, which has a dedicated team available to provide pre-submission support on issues such as the development of process control measures for continuous manufacturing of drugs. To provide focused expertise for advanced manufacturing of biological products, the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) established the Advanced Technologies Team, which works with prospective developers on issues such as technical considerations for platform technologies in gene therapy.

Second, the FDA recognizes that policy must keep pace with innovation. To expedite the development of newer technologies, the agency developed a series of leapfrog guidance documents, which the FDA uses to share initial thoughts regarding emerging technologies that are likely to be of public health importance. Such leapfrog guidance documents include the FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Healths (CDRH) 2017 guidance on Technical Considerations for Additive Manufactured Medical Devices, which encompasses many technologies including 3D printing. The agency has provided further regulatory clarity as technologies mature and are commercialized; for example CDER issued guidance in 2019 on Quality Considerations for Continuous Manufacturing. The FDAs engagement in public dialogue supports the proactive identification and resolution of potential barriers for the transition to advanced manufacturing.

Third, as a science-based agency, the FDA supports research and partnerships that expand the knowledge base for advanced manufacturing. For example, the FDA has used authorities in the 21st Century Cures Act to award research grants to support investigators exploring key questions around monitoring and control techniques for advanced manufacturing platforms. To foster collaborations across the public, private, and non-profit sector, the FDAs Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) launched a new program for advancing regulatory science in public health and formed partnerships with stakeholders such as America Makes, BioFab USA, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), and a number of industry organizations and clinical societies. OCS has also spearheaded multiple intramural research programs to help develop the regulatory expertise required to evaluate advanced manufacturing technologies. These initiatives will enable the FDA to identify and address cross-cutting scientific, technical, and regulatory challenges and opportunities for advanced manufacturing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how conventional manufacturing practices and predominantly international supply chains may be a liability for Americas emergency response efforts. In addition to the policy and programmatic foundations described above, the FDA has also taken a number of actions to shore up manufacturing capacity specifically for public health preparedness. For example, CDER entered a multi-year partnership with BARDA, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, to explore how continuous manufacturing techniques could improve Americas capacity to rapidly manufacture medical countermeasures during emergency situations. During COVID-19 specifically, OCS and CDRH helped develop a Memorandum of Understanding between the FDA, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to facilitate information sharing on 3D printing to help support manufacturing of essential medical supplies such as personal protective equipment and medical device parts.

Advances in regulatory science are not an end in themselves. True public health preparedness requires incentives and investments in the technologies that the agency has been promoting for years. Increasing emphasis on domestic manufacturing strengthens our response capability, yet it is not enough to bring supply chains back home. We must also ensure that the renewed focus on the importance of domestic manufacturing capacity is paired with a recognition of the capital requirements and scientific expertise needed to adopt more resilient and efficient platforms.

The FDA is committed to doing its part to foster the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. To reduce the burden on innovators, the agency is actively working to ensure international concordance on guidelines for continuous manufacturing as part of the International Council for Harmonisations Q13 proposal. To ensure that best practices are informed by the latest research, the agency is committed to monitoring ongoing grant programs, with the intent of fostering initiatives that can demonstrate tangible improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency. To promote communication about the adoption of best practices and innovative ideas between stakeholders, the FDA will continue to proactively provide forums for scientific discussion, participate in national and international workshops, and collaboratively engage stakeholders.

Because pandemics by nature are unpredictable, our approach to manufacturing must be adaptable. Advanced manufacturing provides an approach for protecting our supply chain and improving our response capacity during crisis situations. By establishing the regulatory foundation, the FDA has created a pathway for industry to continue adopting the needed improvements in manufacturing technology for the benefit of public health.

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Investing in Advanced Manufacturing to Support Public Health - FDA.gov

By Dr. Lynn Webster, PNN Columnist

Millions of Americans order DNA test kits to determine their ancestries. Knowing where you come from can be entertaining. However, DNA testing can also help identify your risk of developing some diseases, including chronic pain.

Prenatal testing for genetic disorders is common. But genetic testing is also increasingly used to determine the risk of developing certain diseases or potential responses to specific drugs.

Currently, little is known about how to use genes to make an individual more or less sensitive to pain, or to learn the likelihood that someone will respond in a particular way to an analgesic based on their genetics. The good news is that we are on the cusp of gaining more information about the genes that control pain and pain treatments, and that knowledge should allow us to develop targeted pain therapies.

Most physicians still believe that everyone experiences pain in the same way. Research recently published in Current Biology discovered a genethe so-called "Neanderthal gene"that is associated with increased sensitivity to pain. Recognizing that a mutation of a specific gene can influence pain perception may be illuminating for many members of the medical profession.

Pain specialists have known for a long time that given the same stimulus, some people feel more pain than others. The truth is, there are several genes besides the Neanderthal gene that determine how an individual experiences pain. Some genes increase our sensitivity to pain, while other genes decrease it. Some genes influence how pain is processed, while other genes determine an individual's response to an analgesic.

The ability for an analgesic to provide pain relief in an individual is partially determined by the genetics of the receptor to which the pain medication binds. These genes are different from pain-sensitivity genes. For example, oxycodone may be very effective in relieving pain for one individual, but only partially effective for another.

Optimal pain relief requires recognition that each individual responds uniquely to a given analgesic. Doctors are beginning to provide gene therapy for cancer patients. Advancements in research may someday allow us to do the same for patients with pain.

The array of pain responses to the same stimulus is a major reason why one-size-fits-all dosing of pain medications is flawed. A given dose may leave some patients undertreated and others over-treated. Unfortunately, regulators who set arbitrary dose limits fail to understand or consider this biologic variability.

Differing clinical responses to pain stimuli and medications underscore the need to individualize therapy. Knowing more about the biology of pain can help us to understand each individuals response to painful stimuli and the variable response to any therapy.

How we experience pain is a result of both environmental and genetic features. The genetic factors are what we inherit. Environmental factors which we develop rather than inherit include cultural attitudes, emotions, and individual responses to stress. Our personality and lifes experiences are included in the environmental factors that contribute to our experience of pain. Therefore, pain is a result of genetic and environmental interactions. Both can make an individual more or less sensitive to stimuli or analgesia. It is a complex and dynamic process.

The so-called Neanderthal gene is not a new discovery but was newly recognized in Neanderthals. The discovery is interesting, because it implies the gene has an evolutionary purpose. The gene is known as SCN9. There are several pain syndromes associated with the genetic mutations of the SCN9 gene, including some types of back pain and sciatica. Mutations of this gene can result in the total absence of pain or a heightened pain expression. The type of mutation determines the phenotype (or personal characteristics) of our response to a painful stimulus.

It is unclear how Neanderthals benefited biologically from increased pain sensitivity. As we know, acute pain elicits an alarm and is considered protective. It teaches us to avoid dangers that can threaten our life, and prevents us from walking on a broken leg until it heals sufficiently to bear our weight.

Evolution may not have been concerned about the effects of chronic pain. The Neanderthals' limited life expectancy, and the fact that their survival depended on strong physical conditioning, may have made chronic pain a non-issue. Chronic pain may have made survival difficult, or even impossible, for the Neanderthals.

The recent discovery that Neanderthals had the SCN9 gene should not be surprising, given the fact that modern humans shared a common ancestor with Neanderthals. The Neanderthal gene study is of particular interest to me, because I am working with several companies that are exploring potential drugs to affect the function of the SCN9 gene. The companies have different approaches, but they all are trying to find a way to dial down an individual's sensitivity to painful stimuli.

Since the SCN9 gene can be responsible for the total absence of all pain, as well as several extreme forms of pain, it may be reasonable to target the SCN9 gene to modulate pain.

My hope is that manipulation of the SCN9 gene will reduce pain sensitivity, making it easier to control pain by adjusting the dose and type of drug we prescribe.

It is possible one or more drugs that target the SCN9 gene will be available within the next 4-6 years. If that occurs, it could be game changer for people in pain. We can then thank our Neanderthal ancestors for the evolutionary gift.

Lynn R. Webster, MD, is a vice president of scientific affairs for PRA Health Sciences and consults with the pharmaceutical industry. He is author of the award-winning book, The Painful Truth, and co-producer of the documentary, It Hurts Until You Die. You can find Lynn on Twitter: @LynnRWebsterMD

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Genetic Studies Could Pave the Way to New Pain Treatments - Pain News Network

Oxford Biomedica Signs Development, Manufacture & License Agreement with Beam Therapeutics Inc., for LentiVector Platform for Next Generation CAR-T Therapeutics

Oxford, UK 3 August 2020: Oxford Biomedica plc (LSE:OXB) (Oxford Biomedica or the Group), a leading gene and cell therapy group, announced today that it has signed a new Development, Manufacture & License Agreement (DMLA) with Beam Therapeutics Inc. (Beam) (Nasdaq: BEAM), a Cambridge, Mass.-based biotechnology company developing precision genetic medicines through the use of base editing. The DMLA grants Beam a non-exclusive license to Oxford Biomedicas LentiVector platform for its application in next generation CAR-T programmes in oncology and puts in place a three year Clinical Supply Agreement.

Under the terms of the DMLA, Oxford Biomedica will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, as well as payments related to development and manufacturing of lentiviral vectors for use in clinical trials, and certain development and regulatory milestones for products sold by Beam that utilise Oxford Biomedicas LentiVector platform and an undisclosed royalty on the net sales of products sold by Beam that utilise the Groups LentiVector platform.

Oxford Biomedica is currently working on one pre-clinical programme with Beam, and the Agreement allows for the Parties to initiate additional projects in the future.

John Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Biomedica, said: Beam Therapeutics is one of the leading next-generation CAR-T developers who deploy a wide range of innovative technologies to bring innovative CAR-T products into development. We are proud to be working with a leader in the field of gene editing technologies, including base editing, and this provides us another valuable opportunity for our LentiVector platform to support innovative product development of CAR-T products.

This is our third announced partnership with leaders in the CAR-T field, building on our longstanding partnership with Novartis and our more recently announced partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb earlier this year. We look forward to supporting the next generation CAR-T programmes at Beam.

-Ends-

Oxford Biomedica plc

John Dawson, Chief Executive OfficerStuart Paynter, Chief Financial OfficerCatherine Isted, Head of Corporate Development & IR

T: +44 (0)1865 783 000T: +44 (0)1865 783 000T: +44 (0)1865 954 161 / E: ir@oxb.com

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott/Matthew Neal

T: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

About Oxford BiomedicaOxford Biomedica (LSE:OXB) is a leading, fully integrated, gene and cell therapy group focused on developing life changing treatments for serious diseases. Oxford Biomedica and its subsidiaries (the "Group") have built a sector leading lentiviral vector delivery platform (LentiVector), which the Group leverages to develop in vivo and ex vivo products both in-house and with partners. The Group has created a valuable proprietary portfolio of gene and cell therapy product candidates in the areas of oncology, ophthalmology, CNS disorders, liver diseases and respiratory disease. The Group has also entered into a number of partnerships, including with Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, Axovant Gene Therapies, Orchard Therapeutics, Santen, Boehringer Ingelheim, the UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium and Imperial Innovations, through which it has long-term economic interests in other potential gene and cell therapy products. Additionally the group has signed a Clinical and Commercial Supply Agreement with AstraZeneca for manufacture of the adeno based COVID-19 vaccine candidate, AZD1222. Oxford Biomedica is based across several locations in Oxfordshire, UK and employs more than 550 people. Further information is available atwww.oxb.com

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Oxford Biomedica Signs Development, Manufacture & License Agreement with Beam Therapeutics Inc., for LentiVector Platform for Next Generation...

AstraZeneca has returned to commit approximately $6bn (5.1bn) on Daiichi Sankyos antibody drug conjugate (ADC), after completing another separate multi-billion dollar deal last year with the company.

Yesterdays agreement sees AZ pay Daiichi $1bn upfront, due in three intervals, a further $1bn tied to regulatory approvals, and up to $4bn in sales-related milestones. In return, AZ gets access to DS-1062, a trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2-directed ADC.

The drug candidate is being lined up as a treatment for multiple tumor types, with Daiichi already running Phase I trials against non-small cell lung cancer and exploring the possibility to target breast cancers.

Both companies will jointly develop and commercialize the treatment candidate, except in Daiichis home market, Japan, where it will retain exclusive rights. Daiichi will also be responsible for the production and supply of DS-1062.

With this latest deal, AZ has strengthened its existing collaboration with Daiichi, after the two companies announced a potential $7bn deal last year for another ADC, which the partners recently commercialized as Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan).

The treatment was the lead drug in Daiichis ADC pipeline, with it being approved initially in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer but going through additional Phase III trials to expand its indication.

As a result of both deals, AZs CEO, Pascal Soriot, was able to point to six potential blockbusters that the company has in its portfolio, whilst also noting the potential of its early- and late-stage pipeline.

The company has been working to bolster its pipeline in oncology through a number of smaller partnership and acquisition deals, which saw AZ acquire the rights to Innates potential first-in-class treatment, currently in Phase II trials, and agree a deal to develop oncolytic virus candidate alongside Transgene.

For Daiichi, the deal means that it has the capital for the further development of its ADC programs and to make deals to expand its own pipeline, such as bolstering its expansion into the gene therapy area.

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AZ partners with Daiichi on ADC therapy - BioPharma-Reporter.com