16.11.2020 • NewsUCB

UCB Buys Handl, Partners Lacerta

Belgian biopharma UCB has announced two moves that will boost its gene therapy capabilities.

The first is the acquisition of Belgium-based gene therapy company Handl Therapeutics for an undisclosed sum. Handl Therapeutics is focused on creating disease modifying in vivo gene therapies to treat neurodegenerative disease through proprietary adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid technology.

The Leuven-based company combines technology platforms and scientific advances licensed from research university KU Leuven, the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) of the University of Navarra in Spain, the University of Chile and King’s College London.

The second move is a research and development collaboration with US company Lacerta Therapeutics. A spin-off from the University of Florida, Lacerta’s mission is to make AAV-therapies available for all patients with rare and serious neurological disorders.

UCB said the focus of their agreement is to develop AAV-based therapies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases with high unmet need.

Lacerta will lead research, preclinical activities and early manufacturing process development, while UCB will complete investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies, manufacturing and clinical development.

“The acquisition of Handl Therapeutics and the new partnership with Lacerta Therapeutics offers us the potential to drive a fundamental change in how diseases are treated, by moving us from treating symptoms to disease modification and eventually towards a cure,” said UCB’s chief scientific offer Dhavalkumar Patel.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist

Belgian biopharma UCB has announced two moves that will boost its gene therapy...
Belgian biopharma UCB has announced two moves that will boost its gene therapy capabilities. The first is the acquisition of Belgium-based gene therapy company Handl Therapeutics. The second move is a research and development collaboration with US company Lacerta Therapeutics. (c) UCB

Free Expert Insights

Dual‑Targeting Breakthroughs
Advancements in Bispecific Antibody Development

Dual‑Targeting Breakthroughs

Unlock the latest breakthroughs in bispecific antibody development! Download Wiley’s free Expert Insights eBook to explore cutting-edge dual-targeting strategies, advanced purification methods, and bioanalytical technologies transforming immunotherapy and cancer treatment.

Special Issue

Circular Plastics Economy
Explore the Future of Plastics

Circular Plastics Economy

This special CHEManager issue explores the industry’s pivotal shift towards a more sustainable, circular plastics value chain. Readers will find expert analysis and real-world solutions for today’s most pressing recycling and regulatory challenges.

most read

Photo
28.07.2025 • NewsChemistry

VCI Welcomes US-EU Customs Deal

The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) welcomes the fact that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and US President Donald Trump have averted the danger of a trade war for the time being.