Sangamo and Astellas Team Up for Genomic Medicine Breakthroughs

Sangamo Therapeutics and Astellas have announced a strategic collaboration to develop genomic medicines for neurological diseases, marking a significant step in the advancement of innovative therapies for challenging conditions. The agreement grants Astellas rights to employ Sangamo's proprietary capsid, STAC-BBB, for up to five potential neurological disease targets, accelerating the development of transformative treatments for patients in need.

The collaboration focuses on addressing unmet medical needs in chronic neuropathic pain, prion disease, Huntington's disease, and tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease. By leveraging Sangamo's expertise in zinc finger protein transcription factors (ZFP-TFs) and Astellas' strength in neuroscience drug discovery, the partnership aims to deliver targeted and efficient genomic medicines to specific cells in the nervous system.

Sangamo's STAC-BBB capsid offers several advantages over other delivery methods, including targeted delivery to the central nervous system, non-immunogenicity, and the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. These features enhance the efficiency and safety of the therapies, minimizing off-target effects and maximizing therapeutic impact.

The agreement includes a $20 million upfront license fee, with additional milestone payments and royalties upon commercialization. This financial arrangement underscores the potential value of the collaboration and the promise it holds for the future of genomic medicine in treating neurological diseases.



The timeline for the development and potential commercialization of these genomic medicines will depend on clinical trial results, regulatory approvals, and market adoption. However, this partnership signals a commitment to advancing innovative therapies for neurological diseases, potentially transforming the lives of patients and families affected by these conditions.



In conclusion, the collaboration between Sangamo Therapeutics and Astellas represents a significant step in the advancement of genomic medicines for neurological diseases. By combining Sangamo's proprietary capsid technology with Astellas' expertise in neuroscience, the partnership has the potential to deliver transformative treatments for patients with unmet medical needs. As the field of genomic medicine continues to evolve, this collaboration may inspire further investment and research, fostering a broader landscape for innovative therapies in treating neurological disorders.