ToolGen said on the 24th that it will co-develop gene-editing therapies with GenEditBio, a Hong Kong-based specialist in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology.
The corporations signed a mutual technology transfer agreement with GenEditBio. The agreement is part of an open innovation strategy that combines ToolGen's gene-editing technology with GenEditBio's state-of-the-art drug delivery platform technology.
Through this collaboration, the two companies plan to jointly develop gene-editing therapies that can cure diseases with limited treatment options through a once-and-done administration. Developing gene-editing therapies requires CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which precisely edits target genes, and securing technology that safely and efficiently delivers it to the desired tissue.
GenEditBio holds core delivery platform technologies such as LNP and is currently developing the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)-related therapy "GEB-200." GEB-200 aims to permanently reduce Lp(a), a major risk factor for ASCVD, and about 20% of the global population falls into the high-risk group for Lp(a). It is drawing attention as an innovative once-and-done gene-editing drug that could replace drugs requiring repeated dosing.
The two companies have been advancing the development of GEB-200 through close joint research and recently completed a key preclinical stage by demonstrating target gene modulation effects and safety in nonhuman primate studies.
Going forward, the two companies plan to combine ToolGen's validated CRISPR-Cas9 technology with GenEditBio's LNP delivery technology to accelerate approval of the GEB-200 investigational new drug (IND) application, and to pursue joint technology transfer and revenue sharing.
GenEditBio CEO Zongli ZHENGo said, "We are pleased that this agreement enables us to accelerate the development of GEB-200 by combining GenEditBio's drug delivery technology, which has high predictability for clinical application, with ToolGen's CRISPR-Cas9 technology."
ToolGen CEO Yoo Jong-sang said, "Expectations are rising for the gene-editing market and the cardiovascular disease therapeutics market, as Verve Therapeutics was acquired by Eli Lilly with a $1 billion upfront payment and $300 million in milestones," adding, "Through this joint development project, we will create synergy between foundational technology and drug delivery technology and do our best to deliver innovative therapies to more patients."