Regeneron Pharmaceuticals will use Avalanche Biotechnologies’ adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based drug-delivery platform in a collaboration to commercialize its lead drug and new gene therapy products for ophthalmologic diseases, the companies said. The deal could net Avalanche more than $640 million. Under the collaboration, Regeneron will apply the Avalanche Ocular BioFactory to discover and develop gene therapy vectors for ophthalmology. BioFactory is designed to use the body's own cells to produce therapeutic protein after only a single injection. That in turn blocks VEGF signaling, treating the disease. Read the full story