Rentschler Biopharma and Ikarovec partner to expedite new gene therapies

Rentschler Biopharma has collaborated with Ikarovec for expediting the new gene therapies to treat ophthalmic disease.

Under the deal, Rentschler Biopharma’s ATMP facility in Stevenage, UK, will undertake the bioprocess development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) material.

The AAV material will be used for the planned pre-clinical testing of the new gene therapy of Ikarovec to treat geographic atrophy, an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration that may result in the progressive and irreversible destruction of retinal tissue.

Ikarovec chief scientific officer Dr Katie Binley said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Rentschler Biopharma on our lead programme.

“As we look to find new and better ways to treat ophthalmic diseases, we want to get it right and ensure that our product candidates can be scaled up appropriately for each development stage and, ultimately, for commercialisation.

“Thus, it is critical to work with a team that has strong AAV experience in our field and that will be a true partner every step of the way.”

The company is developing new and differentiated gene therapies for the treatment of serious, but common eye diseases.

Rentschler Biopharma chief scientific officer Dr Christian Schetter said: “With Rentschler Biopharma’s ATMP offering, we aim to address an important gap in specific support for innovative, early-stage cell and gene therapy programmes.”

The company is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) for biopharmaceuticals.

It offers complete a range of services, including bioprocess development to cGMP manufacturing, for the clinical supply of AAV at its Stevenage facility.

Rentschler Biopharma integrates early process development strategies with accelerated timelines.

Cell & Gene Therapy coverage on Pharmaceutical Technology is supported by Cytiva.

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