CRISPR Therapeutics and Sirius Therapeutics have partnered to develop and commercialize SRSD107, a long-acting siRNA therapy for thromboembolic disorders. SRSD107 targets Factor XI, a key driver of thrombosis, and has shown promising results in Phase 1 trials with sustained efficacy up to six months after a single dose. The partnership involves a $25 million cash payment and a $70 million equity investment by CRISPR Therapeutics to Sirius Therapeutics.
This collaboration is important because it addresses a significant unmet need in managing thromboembolic disorders. Current treatments often carry a high bleeding risk or present compliance challenges due to frequent dosing. SRSD107’s potential for infrequent dosing and reversibility offers a differentiated approach with potentially improved safety and patient adherence. This could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with conditions like atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and cancer-associated thrombosis.
Phase 1 trials of SRSD107 demonstrated over 93% reduction in Factor XI levels and activity, along with a twofold increase in activated partial thromboplastin time, maintained for up to six months. A Phase 2 trial is underway to evaluate SRSD107’s safety and efficacy in preventing venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty. The agreement includes a 50-50 cost and profit-sharing structure for SRSD107, with CRISPR leading commercialization in the U.S. and Sirius in Greater China. CRISPR also gains the option to license two additional siRNA programs from Sirius.
This partnership positions both companies at the forefront of developing innovative therapies for thromboembolic disorders. Positive Phase 2 results could pave the way for pivotal trials and potential market entry, offering a new treatment paradigm with significant benefits for patients and healthcare providers. The collaboration also expands CRISPR Therapeutics’ therapeutic portfolio beyond gene editing, showcasing their commitment to exploring diverse gene-based medicines.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
