Shape Therapeutics has entered into a multi-target strategic collaboration and license agreement with Roche to advanced breakthrough adeno-associated viruses-based (AAVs) RNA editing technology for neuroscience and rare disease indications.
During the course of the partnership, ShapeTX will conduct preclinical research to identify and deliver development candidates discovered by its AI-powered platforms RNAfix and, potentially, AAVid™. Roche will be responsible for the development and worldwide commercialization of any potential products resulting from the collaboration.
“Our mission at ShapeTX is to unlock the next breakthrough in RNA technologies in the gene therapy space across a wide range of therapeutic areas,” said Francois Vigneault, co-founder and CEO of ShapeTX.
“The relationship with Roche quickly centered on a common desire to tackle some of the world’s most challenging diseases by accelerating the development of breakthrough technologies towards the clinic.”
James Sabry, Head of Roche Pharma Partnering, said: “This new collaboration is also perfectly aligned with our broader efforts across the Roche Group to unlock the full potential of gene therapy.”
ShapeTX is eligible to receive an initial payment as well as development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, potentially exceeding $3 billion in aggregate value. It is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on future sales of products resulting from the collaboration.
