Vertex in pact with ImmunoGen to expand gene editing reach
rafal_olechowski

Cystic fibrosis drugmaker Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) has made further inroads into gene editing after signing a multimillion-dollar partnership with ImmunoGen (NASDAQ:IMGN), according to a statement on Wednesday.
The global license and option agreement allows Vertex (VRTX) to access Immunogen's (IMGN) technology for antibody-drug conjugates to develop conditioning agents for use with gene editing.
Per the terms, Vertex (VRTX) will have the option to research, develop, and commercialize conditioning agents leveraging Immunogen's (IMGN) ADC technology for multiple targets.
In return, ImmunoGen (IMGN) will receive $15M upfront, up to $337M in option exercise fees, and development and commercial milestone payments per target. There will also be tiered royalties as a percentage of worldwide commercial sales of treatments commercialized by Vertex (VRTX).
Vertex (VRTX) intends to use ImmunoGen's (IMGN) technology to develop a conditioning regimen for use with, exa-cel, a gene editing candidate targeted at sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT).
CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) has partnered with Vertex (VRTX) for exa-cel, which is expected to complete U.S. regulatory submissions this quarter.
Vertex (VRTX) has expanded its exposure to gene editing therapies recently. In January, the company extended a collaboration agreement with gene editing company Arbor Biotechnologies for precision editing technology.