Annalee Armstrong of Fierce Biotech reported on Jan 3, 2023 that Cellectis will help spring Primera Therapeutics form the hanger of a May Clinic gene therapy accelerator with a $750M partnership.
Seeds from Mayo Clinic’s cell and gene therapy accelerator Mayflower Bioventures have taken flight in a new biotech called Primera Therapeutics, which launches today with a blossoming $750 million partnership to work on therapies for mitochondrial diseases.
The new company has formed a strategic collaboration with gene editing biotech Cellectis to create new therapies for mitochondrial diseases by editing mutations in mitochondrial DNA. These genetic diseases can cause varying symptoms such as seizures, strokes, hearing impairment or cognitive disabilities and have very few treatment options, often resulting in early childhood death.
Cellectis will be up for $750 million in development and sales milestones through the partnership. Primera has an exclusive worldwide option for up to five candidates from Cellectis developed through the collaboration. The companies could also sign further agreements, which could include a 19% ownership stake in Primera for Cellectis plus a seat on the new biotech’s board.
The two companies will develop a mitochondrial DNA toolbox together. Cellectis will bring its experience in gene editing research, technology, manufacturing and clinical development for swift advancement of the programs.
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