Rare Daily Staff
Dyno Therapeutics said it entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Roche to apply Dyno’s CapsidMap platform for the development of next-generation adeno-associated virus vectors for an undisclosed upfront payment and potential milestones worth up to $1.8 billion.
The agreement, which is Dyno’s largest collaboration to date, covers the portfolio of both Roche and its subsidiary Spark Therapeutics. The vectors will be developed for gene therapies for central nervous system and liver-directed therapies.
Dyno’s proprietary CapsidMap platform has the potential to identify novel AAV capsids – the cell-targeting protein shell of viral vectors – and optimize them for tissue targeting and immune-evading properties. In addition, the platform can improve packaging capacity and manufacturability of these vectors.
By designing capsids that confer improved functional properties to adeno-associated virus vectors, Dyno’s proprietary CapsidMap platform overcomes the limitations of gene therapies on the market and in development. Today’s treatments are primarily confined to a small number of naturally occurring AAV vectors that are limited by delivery, immunity, packaging size, and manufacturing challenges.
CapsidMap uses artificial intelligence technology for the design of novel capsids, the cell-targeting protein shell of viral vectors. The CapsidMap platform applies leading-edge DNA library synthesis and next generation DNA sequencing to measure in vivo gene delivery properties in high throughput. At the core of CapsidMap are advanced search algorithms leveraging machine learning and Dyno’s massive quantity of experimental data that together build a comprehensive map of sequence space and thereby accelerate the discovery and optimization of synthetic AAV capsids.
Under the terms of the agreement, Dyno will be responsible for the design of novel AAV capsids with improved functional properties for gene therapy, while Roche and Spark Therapeutics will be responsible for conducting preclinical, clinical and commercialization activities for gene therapy product candidates using the novel capsids.
“The Dyno, Roche, and Spark teams share a bold vision for gene therapy and believe that enhancing vectors that deliver these therapies is key to developing new treatments for patients in need,” said Eric Kelsic, CEO and co-founder of Dyno. “Partnering is a fundamental element of Dyno’s business strategy, and the continuing interest by leading gene therapy developers is accelerating our growth plans and positive impact on patients.”
Photo: Eric Kelsic, CEO and co-founder of Dyno
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