NAPSRx News: Genzyme inks gene therapy deal with Voyager Therapeutics

WASHINGTON - Feb. 12, 2015 - PRLog -- Voyager Therapeutics and Genzyme, a Sanofi company, have entered into a  collaborative deal to develop treatments aimed at combatting fatal and debilitating diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The partnership between the two companies will include research and development, and commercialization strategies for novel gene therapies that could potentially contest severe CNS disorders. Genzyme’s scientific expertise in the field of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy paired with Voyager’s breakthrough AAV product engine is intended to cultivate revolutionary treatments for severe CNS disorders.

Multiple gene therapy programs will be established as a part of this strategic alliance for Parkinson’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia and Huntington’s disease as well as other CNS disorders. Voyager will conduct research and development for all programs and retain all U.S. rights to its lead product programs in Parkinson’s disease (VY-AADC01) and Friedreich’s ataxia (VY-FXN01). Genzyme will have the option to license several programs following completion of an initial proof-of-concept human clinical trial. U.S. profits will be split between the two companies for the Huntington’s disease program (VY-HTT01). “Through our combined efforts, Voyager and Genzyme are at the forefront of converting the promise of gene therapy into innovative therapies for CNS disorders that make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives,” said Steven Paul, M.D., president & chief executive officer of Voyager. “Voyager is proud to be collaborating with one of the biotechnology industry pioneers of gene therapy to not only advance development of our lead programs, but also expand our pipeline into new CNS diseases in need of new treatments. This strategic collaboration provides significant funding to drive the development of our expanded product pipeline, while also allowing Voyager to continue to thrive as an independent company.”

“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,” said David Meeker, president and CEO of Genzyme. “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.”

Genzyme is expected to make an upfront payment of $100 million to Voyager including $65 million in cash, a $30 million equity investment and additional in-kind contributions. Voyager will be eligible to receive up to $745 million based on development and sales milestones as well as tiered royalties on product sales.

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