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Genevant and Takeda Partner to Develop Nonviral Rare Liver Disease Gene Therapies

August 23, 2021

Genevant Sciences and Takeda Pharmaceutical entered into a global collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of novel nonviral gene therapies to treat up to two undisclosed rare liver diseases.

Photo: Pete Lutwyche, president and chief executive officer, Genevant Sciences

This is the second collaboration between Genevant and Takeda, following an earlier 2021 agreement to develop nucleic acid therapeutics directed to specified targets in hepatic stellate cells to treat liver fibrosis.

Genevant Sciences is a nucleic acid delivery company with an expansive lipid nanoparticle (LNP) patent estate, and 20 years of experience and expertise in nucleic acid drug delivery and development. Its LNP delivery technology, behind the first and only approved RNAi-LNP (patisiran), enables a wide array of RNA-based applications, including vaccines, therapeutic protein production, and gene editing.

“LNP provides a compelling approach to deliver on the promise of gene therapy, and our leadership position in the LNP space is well established,” said Pete Lutwyche, president and chief executive officer, Genevant Sciences.

Under the terms of the agreement, Genevant is eligible to receive up to $303 million in upfront and potential milestone payments, plus royalties on future product sales. Takeda has exclusive rights to utilize Genevant’s LNP technology in the development and commercialization of specified nonviral gene therapies for up to two undisclosed rare liver diseases.

“Genevant’s expertise in the development of LNPs for clinical applications, coupled with Takeda’s drug development capabilities and history in gastroenterology, gives us a great opportunity to develop new treatment options for patients with liver disorders,” said Bernard Allan, head of liver disease research at Takeda.

Author: Rare Daily Staff

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