EQS-News

Rentschler Biopharma joins forces with Ikarovec to accelerate novel gene therapies for treatment of ophthalmic disease

EQS-News: Rentschler Biopharma SE / Key word(s): Alliance Rentschler Biopharma joins forces with Ikarovec to accelerate novel gene therapies for treatment of ophthalmic disease 01.06.2023 / 11:00 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Rentschler Biopharma joins forces with Ikarovec to accelerate novel gene therapies for treatment of ophthalmic disease

• Rentschler Biopharma to conduct adeno-associated virus (AAV) process development work for manufacturing scale-up at their ATMP site in Stevenage, UK
• Ikarovec is developing novel gene therapies to treat serious, but common eye diseases
• With accelerated timelines, Rentschler Biopharma incorporates early process development strategies, increasing the chances of success for groundbreaking therapeutics

Norwich, Stevenage, UK and Laupheim, Germany, June 1, 2023 – Rentschler Biopharma SE, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biopharmaceuticals, including advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), and Ikarovec, which is developing novel multicistronic gene therapies to treat major ophthalmic indications, today announced that the two companies have entered into a collaboration. Under the agreement, Rentschler Biopharma’s ATMP site in Stevenage, UK, will support the bioprocess development of AAV material for planned pre-clinical testing of Ikarovec’s novel gene therapy for the treatment of geographic atrophy. This condition is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration that can result in the progressive and irreversible destruction of retinal tissue, which can lead to loss of vision over time.

Dr. Katie Binley, Chief Scientific Officer of Ikarovec, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Rentschler Biopharma on our lead program. As we look to find new and better ways to treat ophthalmic diseases, we want to get it right and ensure that our product candidates can be scaled up appropriately for each development stage and, ultimately, for commercialization. Thus, it is critical to work with a team that has strong AAV experience in our field and that will be a true partner every step of the way.”