RARE Daily

Moderna Collaborates with Metagenomi to Develop Next-Generation In Vivo Gene Editing Therapeutics

November 2, 2021

The mRNA-focused biotech Moderna and gene editing biotech Metagenomi have entered into a strategic research and development collaboration focused on advancing new gene editing systems for in vivo human therapeutic applications.

Photo: Brian Thomas, CEO and co-founder of Metagenomi

The collaboration will utilize Metagenomi’s novel gene editing tools and leverage Moderna’s mRNA platform, as well as lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technologies, with the goal of developing curative therapies for patients with serious genetic diseases.

“Metagenomi has demonstrated the power of its proprietary metagenomics approach that mines the Earth’s natural environment to discover next-generation gene editing tools and has developed discovery capabilities with the potential to address multiple diseases,” said Eric Huang, general manager and chief scientific officer of Moderna Genomics. “Their discovery platform and expertise will expand Moderna Genomics’ ongoing efforts to develop innovative in vivo gene editing therapies to address a significant unmet medical need. This collaboration represents another milestone on our journey to create transformational genome-engineering based medicines.”

Under the terms their agreement, Metagenomi and Moderna will advance a series of in vivo gene editing therapeutics against undisclosed targets. Metagenomi will utilize its vast toolbox of gene editing systems in combination with Moderna’s mRNA and LNP technologies, to deliver next-generation therapies for genetic diseases. Metagenomi will receive an upfront cash payment and is eligible to receive certain target option exercise fees as well as development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on net sales of any products that are commercialized by Moderna. Moderna has also agreed to make an equity investment in Metagenomi in the form of a convertible note.

“Gene editing has the potential to provide a cure for millions of patients living with genetic disease. Our partnership with Moderna is designed to accelerate the creation of genetic medicines using Metagenomi’s naturally derived, compact, modular and precise gene editing systems,” said Brian Thomas, CEO and co-founder of Metagenomi. “This partnership will enhance our shared vision to forge transformative therapeutics for patients.”

Author: Rare Daily Staff

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