Abeona Therapeutics and Beacon Therapeutics Announce Non-Exclusive Agreement for Beacon to Evaluate Therapeutic Potential of Abeona's Patented AAV204 Capsid for Select Ophthalmology Indications

Core Insights - Abeona Therapeutics and Beacon Therapeutics have entered into an agreement for the evaluation of Abeona's patented AAV204 capsid for potential gene therapies targeting ophthalmology indications [1][2] - The collaboration aims to address high unmet medical needs in treating rare and prevalent ophthalmic diseases [1][2] Company Overview - Abeona Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell and gene therapies for serious diseases, including a gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa [4] - The company has a fully integrated cGMP manufacturing facility capable of supporting commercial production upon FDA approval [4] - Abeona's development portfolio includes AAV-based gene therapies targeting ophthalmic diseases with significant unmet medical needs [4] Technology and Innovation - AAV204 is a novel AAV capsid from the AIM™ capsid library, licensed from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, demonstrating high transduction levels in the retina [2][3] - The AIM™ capsid library consists of novel AAV serotypes designed to improve delivery to key tissues affected by genetic diseases [3] Agreement Details - Under the agreement, Beacon will evaluate AAV204 for a 12-month period, with options for a worldwide, non-exclusive license for up to five gene or disease targets [2] - Abeona will receive an upfront payment upon the licensing option's exercise, along with milestone payments and tiered royalties on worldwide net sales of licensed products [2] - Beacon will be responsible for the development and commercialization of all licensed products, which will target distinct indications from those currently in development at Abeona [2] Beacon Therapeutics Overview - Beacon Therapeutics, founded in 2023, focuses on gene therapies for prevalent and rare retinal diseases, including X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration [5] - The company is supported by various investors, including Syncona and Forbion [5]