UK-based synthetic biology company, Oxford Genetics, has established a new agreement with clinical-stage gene therapy company, MeiraGTx, for the development of novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors.
Collaboration
Through this collaboration, the companies are aiming to create a fully scalable AAV production system that can satisfy the requirements for increased viral vector yields, process robustness and product efficacy.
“We are delighted to be working alongside the MeiraGTx team on such an exciting project, which will take us another step forward in our vision to deliver breakthrough technologies to the biotherapeutic industry,” stated Dr Ryan Cawood, CEO at Oxford Genetics. “By creating advanced AAV production systems we aim to power the expansion of gene therapy as it moves towards addressing the more common disease indications that present technologies cannot satisfy.”
“The agreement further demonstrates that our business model for early access to our technologies is resonating with the biotherapeutic industry,” commented Dr Paul Brooks, CCO at Oxford Genetics. “Through such partnerships we will ultimately deliver real benefits to patients by helping our partners reduce therapeutic development time and achieving earlier market approval.”
Dr Alexandria Forbes, president and CEO of MeiraGTx, said: “We are very excited to begin this collaboration with Oxford Genetics. It’s one of many vital steps that we are taking to meet the demand for a broadening range of gene therapies. We hope that our approach will lead to quicker development of effective new therapies for patients.”
As part of the agreement, MeiraGTx gains exclusive, worldwide research and manufacturing rights to novel serotype specific AAV vectors, along with associated packaging and producer cell lines.