Biogen and AGTC to develop gene therapies for ophthalmology

Biogen has announced a new collaboration with AGTC, focusing on the creation of innovative gene-based therapies for multiple ophthalmic diseases.

The broad collaboration and license agreement will focus on the development of a portfolio of AGTC therapeutic programmes, including a clinical-stage and preclinical candidate for orphan diseases of the retina that can lead to blindness in children and adults.

It also includes options for early stage discovery programmes in two ophthalmic diseases and for one non-ophthalmic condition, as well as an equity investment in AGTC by Biogen and a license agreement for manufacturing rights.

Biogen will make an upfront payment in the amount of $124 million (79.35 million pounds) to AGTC, which includes a $30 million equity investment.

Dr Olivier Danos, senior vice-president for cell and gene therapy at Biogen, said: "With this collaboration, we hope to advance gene therapies to open possibilities for patients who suffer from diseases that are well understood, but have no adequate treatment."

Last week, the company received EU regulatory approval for the haemophilia B therapy Alprolix, which it developed in collaboration with Sobi.