Voyager Therapeutics Expands Gene Therapy Portfolio with Novartis License for Next-Generation Capsid

Sep 11, 2024

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VYGR), a biotechnology company focused on neurogenetic medicines, has entered into a licensing agreement with Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) for a novel capsid developed using Voyager’s TRACER™ capsid discovery platform. This license will be used in a gene therapy program targeting an undisclosed rare neurologic disease. The capsid license is part of the ongoing collaboration between Voyager and Novartis, originally established in March 2022.
Voyager

Under the terms of the agreement, Voyager will receive an upfront payment of $15 million and could potentially earn up to $305 million in milestone payments and royalties associated with the development, regulatory, and commercial progress of the licensed capsid.

Alfred W. Sandrock, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., CEO of Voyager Therapeutics, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Novartis is a global leader in gene therapy, and we view their continued selection of our IV-delivered, blood-brain barrier-penetrant capsids as strong validation of our TRACER capsid discovery platform.” The partnership between Voyager and Novartis now encompasses five gene therapy programs, including targets for Huntington’s disease, spinal muscular atrophy, and three other undisclosed indications.

 

TRACER™ Capsid Discovery Platform

Voyager’s TRACER™ platform is designed to facilitate the discovery of novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids using an RNA-based screening approach. This platform has shown promise in preclinical studies, where intravenous delivery of TRACER-generated capsids demonstrated broad transduction across central nervous system regions and cell types. The TRACER platform’s capability to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively positions Voyager’s capsids for various gene therapy applications targeting neurological diseases.

 

About Voyager Therapeutics

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to leveraging human genetics to develop treatments and potential cures for neurological diseases. The company’s pipeline includes programs for Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease, among others. Voyager’s innovative TRACER™ platform has enabled the development of novel capsids designed for high brain penetration, enhancing the delivery of genetic medicines via intravenous administration.

Voyager collaborates with prominent industry partners such as Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Novartis, Neurocrine Biosciences, and Sangamo Therapeutics to advance its gene therapy programs.

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