ReCode Enters Strategic Collaboration with AskBio to Focused on Single Vector Gene-Editing

ReCode Therapeutics said it has signed a multi-year research collaboration and option agreement with Bayer’s Asklepios BioPharmaceutical focused on the discovery of precision genetic medicines through the development of a novel platform for full gene insertion by single vector delivery of gene editing and DNA cargoes.

Photo: Sheila Mikhail, CEO of AskBio

“This collaboration pairs AskBio’s expertise in synthetic DNA and CRISPR applications with ReCode’s novel SORT LNP delivery technology to enable the potential discovery of new genetic medicines with novel genetic cargoes,” said Sheila Mikhail, CEO of AskBio. “Through this collaboration, we have an opportunity to advance AskBio’s gene editing and non-viral delivery efforts, which support and align with our commitment to serve as an engine of gene therapy innovation.”

Under the agreement, AskBio will combine its synthetic DNA and gene editing nucleases with ReCode’s selective organ targeting (SORT) lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology to develop an all-in-one solution that enables full gene insertion by delivering with precision both the gene editing tool and DNA as mixed cargo in a single LNP to desired targets. The collaboration could extend the reach of gene editing for liver and lung disease targets.

ReCode will receive an upfront cash payment with potential for downstream milestone payments and royalties on novel therapeutics resulting from the collaboration.

In June 2022, ReCode announced the closing of a $200 million Series B extension financing round, co-led by Leaps by Bayer, the impact investment unit of Bayer AG, and AyurMaya, an affiliate of Matrix Capital Management, with participation by Amgen Ventures. The initial Series B financing was co-led by Pfizer Ventures and EcoR1 Capital and included Sanofi Ventures, OrbiMed, Vida Ventures, MPM Capital, and other new and existing investors. Proceeds from the financing are being used to advance the development of ReCode’s platform and pipeline to selectively deliver genetic medicines to targeted organ and cell types in a predictable and programmable fashion.

Author: Rare Daily Staff