Gemma Biotherapeutics (GemmaBio), a new therapeutics company founded by gene therapy pioneer Jim Wilson, recently announced the completion of a $34 million seed funding round to accelerate its groundbreaking gene therapy initiatives.
German CDMO Rentschler Biopharma is collaborating with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organization specializing in the advancement of cell and gene therapies, and Oxford-based mass photometry specialist Refeyn, to improve the manufacturing adeno-associated viruses (AAVs).
US biopharma Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical has opened a gene therapy manufacturing facility in Bedford, Massachusetts, USA. The company said it is one of the first in the US with complete end-to-end gene therapy capabilities, from R&D through to therapeutic production at scale.
Pharmaron Beijing, a Chinese pharmaceutical R&D company, is planning to undertake a major expansion project at its site in Liverpool after receiving financial support from the UK government.
US biopharma PTC Therapeutics has entered into a financing collaboration with private equity group Blackstone so that it can achieve its goal of delivering at least one therapy every two-to-three years.
Lilly has agreed to acquire Akouos, a precision genetic medicine company that is developing gene therapy treatments for hearing loss. Both companies’ boards have approved the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter and cost Lilly up to $610 million.
Germany’s Merck has opened its second production facility for viral vectors at Carlsbad, California, a move the company said significantly expands its global CDMO footprint. The new €100 million plant will more than double the company’s existing capacity to support large-scale commercial and industrial manufacturing for viral gene therapy.
Germany’s Sirion Biotech has signed a license and collaboration agreement with major French pharma Sanofi on viral vector-based gene therapy. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The partners aim to develop improved tissue-selective adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to realize effective gene therapy treatments for disorders affecting major human organs.
Pharmaceuticals heavyweight Novartis is changing the name of its previously indirect subsidiary AveXis to Novartis Gene Therapies. The Swiss drugmaker said the change signifies the growing importance of gene therapy to building a leading, focused medicines company with advanced therapy platforms. In future, AveXis and Novartis brands will operate under one corporate umbrella.
