By Fineline Cube 
US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) has entered into a licensing agreement with Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGMO), securing a worldwide exclusive license to Sangamo’s STAC-BBB technology. This novel neurotropic adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid demonstrates exceptional blood-brain barrier penetration and neuronal transduction capabilities in non-human primates, positioning it as a promising tool for delivering genomic medicines to the central nervous system (CNS).
Licensing Agreement Details
Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly gains the right to apply the STAC-BBB capsid to one initial target, with the option to add up to four additional targets upon payment of additional licensed target fees. This strategic move allows Lilly to advance its gene therapy portfolio, leveraging STAC-BBB’s unique properties to address challenging CNS diseases.
Development and Commercialization
Sangamo will facilitate the technology transfer related to the STAC-BBB capsid, while Lilly assumes full responsibility for all research, preclinical and clinical development, regulatory interactions, manufacturing, and global commercialization of resulting gene therapy products.
Financial Terms
Lilly will pay Sangamo an upfront fee of USD 18 million and has committed to up to USD 1.4 billion in additional licensed target fees and milestone payments. The agreement also includes tiered royalties based on net sales, subject to specified reductions.-Fineline Info & Tech