Cyagen Biosciences, a provider of custom-engineered mouse and rat models with operations in the US and China, has entered into a partnership valued at RMB 1 billion (USD 139.5 million) with China-based gene therapy specialist Neurophth Biotechnology Ltd. The collaboration aims to leverage Cyagen’s professional gene therapy AI high-throughput adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid evolution technology platform and Neurophth’s ophthalmology capsid validation platform to develop highly effective ophthalmology AAV capsids.
Neurophth’s Ophthalmology Pipeline
Neurophth has a robust ophthalmology product pipeline, led by NR082 (rAAV2-ND4, NFS-01), the first in vivo ophthalmology gene therapy to receive clinical trial approval in China. NR082 has obtained Orphan Drug Designations (ODDs) in the US and Europe for use in ND4-mediated Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (ND4-LHON). The company has reached a consensus with the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) on its Phase III study protocol based on Phase I/II clinical results. Additionally, Neurophth is developing drugs targeting Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), autosomal dominant optic atrophy, optic nerve protection, vascular retinopathy, and more.
Future Outlook
The partnership between Cyagen Biosciences and Neurophth Biotechnology underscores the growing collaboration between US and Chinese biotech firms in the field of gene therapy. By combining Cyagen’s advanced AAV capsid evolution technology with Neurophth’s expertise in ophthalmology, the collaboration aims to accelerate the development of innovative treatments for eye diseases.-Fineline Info & Tech
