Sangamo Therapeutics and Genentech, a Roche Group member, have joined forces to develop intravenous genomic treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Sangamo has granted Genentech exclusive rights to its zinc finger repressors targeting the tau gene, which plays a role in Alzheimer’s and tauopathies. Additionally, Genentech will have access to Sangamo’s neurotropic adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, STAC-BBB, which efficiently penetrates the blood-brain barrier.
Sangamo CEO Sandy Macrae emphasized their commitment to advancing genomic medicine for neurodegenerative diseases. The STAC-BBB capsid offers a unique solution to deliver therapeutics to the central nervous system.
Boris Zaïtra, Head of Roche Corporate Business Development, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to make a transformative impact on neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Under the agreement, Sangamo is responsible for technology transfer and preclinical activities, while Genentech assumes clinical development, regulatory interactions, manufacturing, and commercialization. Genentech has committed $50 million in upfront license fees and milestone payments. Sangamo could potentially earn up to $1.9 billion in development and commercial milestones, along with tiered royalties on net sales.
Sangamo continues to explore collaborations for its STAC-BBB capsid platform, epigenetic regulation capabilities, and other assets.
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.
