Editas Medicine and Genevant Sciences to Collaborate to Develop Novel mRNA-LNP Gene Editing Therapeutics
Editas Medicine (Nasdaq: EDIT) and Genevant Sciences have announced a collaboration and nonexclusive license agreement to develop in vivo gene editing medicines. The partnership will combine Editas' CRISPR Cas12a genome editing systems with Genevant's proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology for two undisclosed targets in Editas' upregulation strategy.
Under the agreement, Genevant has granted Editas a nonexclusive worldwide license for certain LNP technology to develop mRNA-CRISPR Cas12a-LNP products. Genevant is eligible to receive up to $238 million in upfront and contingent milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on future product sales.
This collaboration aims to advance Editas' vision of becoming a leader in in vivo programmable gene editing medicine, leveraging Genevant's expertise in LNP delivery systems, which have emerged as a preferred approach for delivering gene editing constructs.
Editas Medicine (Nasdaq: EDIT) e Genevant Sciences hanno annunciato una collaborazione e un accordo di licenza non esclusivo per sviluppare medicinali di editing genico in vivo. La partnership unirà i sistemi di editing genomico CRISPR Cas12a di Editas con la tecnologia proprietaria dei nanoparticelle lipidiche (LNP) di Genevant per due obiettivi non divulgati nella strategia di upregulation di Editas.
In base all'accordo, Genevant ha concesso a Editas una licenza non esclusiva mondiale per utilizzare alcune tecnologie LNP per sviluppare prodotti mRNA-CRISPR Cas12a-LNP. Genevant potrà ricevere fino a 238 milioni di dollari in pagamenti iniziali e contingenti legati a obiettivi, oltre a royalties a livelli sulle vendite future dei prodotti.
Questa collaborazione mira a far avanzare la visione di Editas di diventare un leader nel settore del medicinale programmabile di editing genico in vivo, sfruttando l'expertise di Genevant nei sistemi di consegna LNP, che sono emersi come un approccio preferito per la consegna di costrutti di editing genico.
Editas Medicine (Nasdaq: EDIT) y Genevant Sciences han anunciado una colaboración y un acuerdo de licencia no exclusivo para desarrollar medicamentos de edición genética in vivo. La asociación combinará los sistemas de edición genómica CRISPR Cas12a de Editas con la tecnología de nanopartículas lipídicas (LNP) patentada de Genevant para dos objetivos no divulgados en la estrategia de upregulación de Editas.
Según el acuerdo, Genevant ha otorgado a Editas una licencia mundial no exclusiva para utilizar cierta tecnología LNP en el desarrollo de productos mRNA-CRISPR Cas12a-LNP. Genevant es elegible para recibir hasta 238 millones de dólares en pagos iniciales y contingentes, así como regalías escalonadas sobre las ventas futuras de productos.
Esta colaboración tiene como objetivo avanzar en la visión de Editas de convertirse en un líder en medicamentos de edición genética programable in vivo, aprovechando la experiencia de Genevant en sistemas de entrega de LNP, que han surgido como un enfoque preferido para la entrega de constructos de edición genética.
Editas Medicine (Nasdaq: EDIT)와 Genevant Sciences는 in vivo 유전자 편집 의약품을 개발하기 위한 협력 및 비독점 라이센스 계약을 발표했습니다. 이 파트너십은 Editas의 CRISPR Cas12a 유전체 편집 시스템과 Genevant의 독점적인 지질 나노입자(LNP) 기술를 결합하여 Editas의 상향조절 전략에 대한 두 가지 공개되지 않은 목표를 다룹니다.
이 계약에 따라 Genevant는 Editas에 특정 LNP 기술에 대한 비독점적인 전 세계 라이센스를 부여하여 mRNA-CRISPR Cas12a-LNP 제품을 개발하도록 했습니다. Genevant는 최대 2억 3천8백만 달러의 초기 및 조건부 마일스톤 지급과 함께 향후 제품 판매에 대한 단계별 로열티를 받을 수 있습니다.
이 협업은 Genevant의 LNP 전달 시스템에 대한 전문성을 활용하여 in vivo 프로그래머블 유전자 편집 의약품 분야에서 Editas의 비전을 선도하는 데 기여하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. LNP 전달 방법은 유전자 편집 구조물을 전달하는 데 선호되는 접근 방식으로 부각되었습니다.
Editas Medicine (Nasdaq: EDIT) et Genevant Sciences ont annoncé une collaboration et un accord de licence non exclusif pour développer des médicaments d'édition génique in vivo. Ce partenariat combinera les systèmes d'édition génomique CRISPR Cas12a d'Editas avec la technologie de nanoparticules lipidiques (LNP) propriétaire de Genevant pour deux cibles non divulguées dans la stratégie d'upregulation d'Editas.
Dans le cadre de l'accord, Genevant a accordé à Editas une licence mondiale non exclusive pour certaines technologies LNP afin de développer des produits mRNA-CRISPR Cas12a-LNP. Genevant peut recevoir jusqu'à 238 millions de dollars en paiements initiaux et conditionnels, ainsi que des redevances en fonction des ventes futures de produits.
Cette collaboration vise à faire progresser la vision d'Editas de devenir un leader dans les médicaments d'édition génique programmable in vivo, en tirant parti de l'expertise de Genevant dans les systèmes de livraison LNP, qui se sont révélés être une approche privilégiée pour la livraison de constructions d'édition génétique.
Editas Medicine (Nasdaq: EDIT) und Genevant Sciences haben eine Zusammenarbeit und eine nicht-exklusive Lizenzvereinbarung zur Entwicklung von in vivo Genbearbeitungsmedikamenten angekündigt. Die Partnerschaft wird Editas' CRISPR Cas12a Genbearbeitungssysteme mit Genevants eigenem Lipid-Nanopartikel (LNP) Technologie für zwei nicht genannte Ziele in Editas' Upregulierungsstrategie kombinieren.
Im Rahmen des Abkommens hat Genevant Editas eine nicht-exklusive weltweite Lizenz für bestimmte LNP-Technologien gewährt, um mRNA-CRISPR Cas12a-LNP-Produkte zu entwickeln. Genevant hat Anspruch auf bis zu 238 Millionen US-Dollar an Vorauszahlungen und erfolgsabhängigen Meilensteinzahlungen sowie auf gestaffelte Tantiemen aus zukünftigen Produktverkäufen.
Diese Zusammenarbeit zielt darauf ab, Editas' Vision voranzutreiben, ein führendes Unternehmen im Bereich der programmierbaren in vivo Genbearbeitungsmedikamente zu werden, indem sie Genevants Expertise in LNP-Abgabesystemen nutzt, die sich als bevorzugter Ansatz zur Abgabe von Genbearbeitungskonstrukten herausgestellt haben.
- Collaboration with Genevant Sciences to develop in vivo gene editing medicines
- Access to Genevant's proprietary LNP technology for improved delivery of gene editing constructs
- Potential for up to $238 million in milestone payments for Genevant, indicating significant value in the partnership
- Nonexclusive license agreement may limit competitive advantage
- Tiered royalties on future product sales could impact profit margins
Insights
This collaboration between Editas Medicine and Genevant Sciences is a significant development in the gene editing field. The partnership combines Editas' CRISPR Cas12a technology with Genevant's LNP delivery system, potentially enhancing the efficacy of in vivo gene editing therapies.
Key points to consider:
- The deal focuses on two undisclosed targets in Editas' upregulation strategy, expanding their pipeline.
- Genevant could receive up to
$238 million in upfront and milestone payments, plus royalties. - LNPs are becoming a preferred method for delivering gene editing constructs, which could improve the chances of clinical success.
For Editas, this collaboration could accelerate their progress towards clinical trials for in vivo gene editing therapies. The deal structure, with milestone payments and royalties, aligns both companies' interests in successful product development.
However, investors should note that the targets are undisclosed and gene editing is still an emerging field with regulatory and clinical hurdles. The long-term potential is significant, but near-term risks remain.
This collaboration agreement represents a strategic move for Editas Medicine, potentially enhancing their competitive position in the gene editing market. Key financial implications include:
- Upfront costs are not disclosed, but the total deal value of up to
$238 million plus royalties is substantial for a company with a market cap of about$310 million . - The milestone-based structure helps Editas manage cash burn, only paying as the program progresses.
- Royalty payments to Genevant on future sales could impact long-term profitability, but also indicate confidence in commercial potential.
For investors, this deal signifies Editas' commitment to advancing their pipeline and could be viewed positively. However, the company's cash position and burn rate should be closely monitored, as R&D costs in gene editing are typically high.
The market reaction will likely depend on how investors view the balance between the potential of this collaboration and the financial commitments it entails. Overall, this appears to be a calculated risk with significant upside potential if the therapies prove successful.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia and BASEL, Switzerland, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Editas Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq: EDIT), a clinical-stage gene editing company, and Genevant Sciences, a leading nucleic acid delivery company with world-class platforms and a robust lipid nanoparticle (LNP) patent portfolio, today announced that they have entered into a collaboration and nonexclusive license agreement to combine Editas Medicine’s CRISPR Cas12a genome editing systems with Genevant’s proprietary LNP technology in the development of in vivo gene editing medicines directed to two undisclosed targets in Editas’ upregulation strategy.
“Editas has made significant strides to achieve our vision of becoming a leader in in vivo programmable gene editing medicine, and we are making strong progress towards the clinic as we develop our pipeline of future medicines,” said Linda C. Burkly, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Editas Medicine. “As we investigated the delivery landscape to identify systems for our in vivo upregulation strategy that would best complement our gene editing technology, we quickly identified Genevant, an established leader in the LNP space, and we are delighted to launch this collaboration.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Editas, a gene editing pioneer, to develop potentially transformative gene editing treatments,” said James Heyes, Chief Scientific Officer of Genevant Sciences. “LNPs have emerged as a preferred approach for delivering gene editing constructs, and we are excited by the promise of combining our industry-leading LNP technology with Editas’s innovation in this burgeoning field.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Genevant has granted to Editas a nonexclusive worldwide license under certain Genevant LNP technology to exploit mRNA-CRISPR Cas12a-LNP products directed to two undisclosed targets for specified fields. Genevant is eligible to receive up to
About Editas Medicine
As a clinical-stage gene editing company, Editas Medicine is focused on translating the power and potential of the CRISPR/Cas12a and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems into a robust pipeline of treatments for people living with serious diseases around the world. Editas Medicine aims to discover, develop, manufacture, and commercialize transformative, durable, precision genomic medicines for a broad class of diseases. Editas Medicine is the exclusive licensee of Broad Institute’s Cas12a patent estate and Broad Institute and Harvard University’s Cas9 patent estates for human medicines. For the latest information and scientific presentations, please visit www.editasmedicine.com.
About Genevant Sciences
Genevant Sciences is a leading nucleic acid delivery company with world-class platforms, a robust lipid nanoparticle (LNP) patent portfolio, and decades of experience and expertise in nucleic acid drug delivery and development. Genevant’s scientists have pioneered LNP delivery of nucleic acids for over 20 years, and Genevant’s LNP platform, which has been studied across more than a dozen discrete product candidates and is the delivery technology behind the first and only approved systemic RNA-LNP product (patisiran), enables a wide array of RNA-based applications, including vaccines, therapeutic protein production, and gene editing. For more information, please visit www.genevant.com.
Editas Medicine Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘continue,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘potential,’’ ‘‘predict,’’ ‘‘project,’’ ‘‘target,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘would,’’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the expected benefits of Editas’ collaboration with Genevant, including the potential to generate medicines from the collaboration. Editas may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the initiation and completion of pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, and clinical development of Editas’ product candidates and availability of funding sufficient for Editas’ foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements. These and other risks are described in greater detail under the caption “Risk Factors” included in Editas’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by Editas’ subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other filings that Editas may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Editas expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.
This press release contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference in this press release.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the collaboration between Editas Medicine (EDIT) and Genevant Sciences?
How much could Genevant Sciences potentially receive from the agreement with Editas Medicine (EDIT)?
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Why is the use of LNP technology important in this collaboration between Editas Medicine (EDIT) and Genevant Sciences?
