4basebio UK Societas announced it has signed research collaboration and evaluation license agreements with Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL). Under the terms of the agreements, the parties will collaborate to develop a HermesTM based non-viral vector incorporating a patented full length dystrophin gene with the view to developing a novel therapy for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). 4basebio will fund a two year collaboration with the Translational Genetic Medicine Laboratory at RHUL led by Dr. Linda Popplewell. 4basebio will take charge of the design and development of muscle targeting HermesTM vectors whilst the team at RHUL will be responsible for in vitro and in vivo validation of the vectors and evaluate their efficacy for treatment of muscular dystrophy in appropriate models. The vectors will incorporate RHUL’s patented, highly expressive full length dystrophin gene. The project is expected to extend over two years; the terms of a commercial licence have also been agreed between the parties, which the Company has an option to exercise, should this first stage project prove successful.