Vertex Inks Potential $1.2B Gene-Editing Pact With Arbor Biotechnologies

  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc VRTX and Arbor Biotechnologies have announced a new collaboration to develop ex vivo engineered cell therapies.
  • The new agreement between Arbor and Vertex builds upon the companies' first partnership established in 2018. 
  • Related: Intellia Shared Promising Biomarker Data From CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Candidate.
  • Under this new partnership, Vertex can use Arbor's proprietary CRISPR gene-editing technology to research and develop ex vivo engineered cell therapies. 
  • The technology will go toward Vertex's insulin-producing hypoimmune islet cells to treat Type 1 diabetes and next-generation sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia treatments. 
  • The partnership includes up to seven potential programs.
  • Under the agreement terms, Arbor will receive an upfront cash payment and is eligible to receive up to $1.2 billion in potential milestone payments. 
  • In addition, Vertex will pay tiered royalties on future net sales on any products that may result from this collaboration. 
  • Vertex will also make an investment in Arbor in the form of a convertible note.
  • Price Action: VRTX shares are up 0.81% at $200 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.
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Posted In: BiotechNewsHealth CareContractsGeneralbeta-thalassemiaBriefsGene EditingSickle Cell Disease
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