Novartis Adds Vision Loss Gene Therapy Program Via Arctos Acquisition

Novartis AG NVS has acquired Arctos Medical, adding a preclinical optogenetics-based AAV gene therapy program and Arctos’ proprietary technology to its ophthalmology portfolio.
Deal terms were not disclosed.
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Arctos developed its technology as a potential method for treating inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) and other diseases that involve photoreceptor loss, such as age-related macular degeneration.
Arctos’ proprietary, light-sensitive optogene is delivered to specific retinal cells using gene therapy, thus turning the targeted cells into replacement photoreceptor-like cells.
Arctos was initially incubated by +ND Capital and was later supported by Novartis Venture Fund through a Series A financing round led by +ND Capital.
Price Action: NVS stock is up 0.81% at $83.47 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.