Genzyme Announce Gene Therapy Collaboration with Applied Genetic Technologies

09-Dec-2004

Genzyme Corporation and Applied Genetic Technologies (AGTC) have entered into a research collaboration to jointly develop novel therapeutics involving gene therapy. Through the collaboration, Genzyme gains access to AGTC's extensive expertise using Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors to deliver genes to patients, including access to AGTC's novel high-yield manufacturing capabilities for AAV vectors. These vectors may have therapeutic advantages in several disease areas where Genzyme has active preclinical development programs, including lysosomal storage disorders, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disorders, immune-mediated disorders, and others.

Genzyme brings to the collaboration more than a decade of experience with gene therapy, involving multiple clinical trials in cardiovascular disease, oncology, and cystic fibrosis. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"We are delighted to collaborate with an established biotechnology leader like Genzyme, which has contributed heavily to many advances in our understanding of gene therapy," said Sue Washer, CEO of AGTC. "This agreement is an important validation of AGTC's technology, and will position us to build on our early work in a number of therapeutic areas and enable us to bring products to market more efficiently."

"Our work with AGTC will bring Genzyme an impressive technology platform, which includes a scalable, highly productive manufacturing capability with the potential to support future clinical trials and product development," said Sam Wadsworth, vice president, Translational Research at Genzyme.

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Topic world Gene therapy

Genetic diseases once considered untreatable are now at the center of innovative therapeutic approaches. Research and development of gene therapies in biotech and pharma aim to directly correct or replace defective or missing genes to combat disease at the molecular level. This revolutionary approach promises not only to treat symptoms, but to eliminate the cause of the disease itself.

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Topic world Gene therapy

Topic world Gene therapy

Genetic diseases once considered untreatable are now at the center of innovative therapeutic approaches. Research and development of gene therapies in biotech and pharma aim to directly correct or replace defective or missing genes to combat disease at the molecular level. This revolutionary approach promises not only to treat symptoms, but to eliminate the cause of the disease itself.