Selecta Biosciences announced that it has entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals to develop targeted, next-generation gene therapies for two indications within the field of rare lysosomal storage disorders.
The collaboration leverages the Massachusetts-based biotech's ImmTOR platform to enable redosing of transformative therapies. With a proven ability to induce tolerance to highly immunogenic proteins, the ImmTOR platform has the potential to amplify the efficacy of biologic therapies, including redosing of life-saving gene therapies, as well as restore the body’s natural self-tolerance in autoimmune diseases. Selecta has several proprietary and partnered programs in its pipeline focused on enzyme therapies, gene therapies, and autoimmune diseases.
Japan-based Takeda thinks the platform could have broad applicability across its gene therapy programs for a range of diseases. The main focus of the deal looks to be overcoming the barriers to current efforts in AAV-driven gene therapy with heightened safety risks.
Under the terms of the agreement, Selecta is entitled to receive an undisclosed upfront payment and up to $1.124 billion in future additional payments over the course of the partnership that are contingent on the achievement of development or commercial milestones or Takeda’s election to continue its activities at specified development stage.
Read the press release