ViGeneron GmbH announced a target-specific strategic collaboration and option agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. to develop and commercialize a gene therapy product based on ViGeneron's novel engineered recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors (vgAAVs) to treat an inherited retinal disease (IRD). Under the terms of the research collaboration, Regeneron and ViGeneron will create and validate vgAAV-based therapeutic candidates for one undisclosed IRD target. ViGeneron receives an upfront payment and research funding.

Regeneron has an option for an exclusive license to develop, commercialize and manufacture the vgAAV-based product for the specific target. ViGeneron is eligible to receive an option exercise fee, development and commercial milestone payments, plus royalties on net sales. ViGeneron's vgAAV vector platform is designed to overcome the limitations of existing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies.

To date, therapeutically impactful targeting of photoreceptors relies on subretinal vector delivery, which harbors substantial risks of retinal detachment and collateral damage, often without achieving widespread photoreceptor transduction. vgAAV vectors could potentially enable the efficient transduction of target cells via intravitreal injection that allows lateral spreading and minimizes the risk of retinal detachment caused by conventional subretinal injection.