China-based gene therapy specialist Neurophth Biotechnology Ltd has announced a strategic partnership with US firm Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: APLS) to develop a gene therapy based on the complement regulation mechanism for geographic atrophy (GA) / dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.
Apellis’ Complement Field Leadership
Apellis, a leading company in the complement field worldwide, boasts pegcetacoplan (empaveli), a complement C3 inhibitor that has concluded its Phase III clinical study in GA / dAMD. The drug, expected to obtain market approval in 2023, will become the first of its kind for said indication globally.
Neurophth’s Development Pipeline
Neurophth, meanwhile, is developing NFS-02, a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 vector (rAAV2) product awarded orphan drug designations (ODDs) in the US and the European Union (EU). This partnership positions Neurophth to leverage Apellis’ expertise in the complement field to advance its gene therapy development efforts, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the treatment of GA and dAMD.-Fineline Info & Tech
