1. Scrip
  2. >>Business

Editas Deal Opens Allergan's Eyes To CRISPR Opportunities

 
• By Lucie Ellis-Taitt

Editas' stock shot up 11% by mid-morning on March 14, after the gene therapy company announced a deal with Allergan worth $90m up front for "cool" CRISPR programs in ocular indications. However, the lead therapy included in the deal offers potentially limited profitability in a small orphan space.

DNA detail background with selective focus
Allergan makes its first move into CRISPR gene editing via Editas deal • Source: Horizon Discovery

Allergan PLC has entered a strategic alliance with Editas Medicine Inc. for exclusive access and the option to license up to five of the latter firm's genome-editing ophthalmic programs – including its lead program for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a rare, inherited retinal degenerative disease that appears in childhood and leads to blindness. This lead therapy is due to enter Phase I trials later in 2017.

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Business

In Brief: Sanofi Gains €10bn From Opella Sale

 
• By Sushmita Panda

Sanofi sold a 50% stake in consumer health unit Opella for €10bn, backing its shift to prescription drugs and funding a €5bn buyback.

Finance Watch: Biohaven Gains Up To $600m In Fresh Capital

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Public Company Edition: Biohaven secured $250m up front from Oberland Capital to support its future US troriluzole launch after pulling its EU filing. Also, Procaps arranged $130m in private equity and Rezolute grossed $96.9m in a rare follow-on offering, among other financings.

Lilly’s Ricks Urges Trump To Pick Tax Incentives Over Tariffs

 
• By Alaric DeArment

On Lilly’s Q1 earnings call, CEO David Ricks voiced concerns about the Trump Administration’s tariff policy, which he said could adversely affect Lilly and the industry as a whole.

AstraZeneca COPD Drug Breztri Breezes Through Asthma Trials

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The triple therapy improves lung function in the Phase III KALOS and LOGOS studies

More from Scrip

Zelluna Believes Its TCR Tech Can Unlock Natural Killer Cell Potential

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

While CAR-NKs have pivoted towards autoimmune disease, the Norwegian biotech believes its unique platform can deliver in oncology

AstraZeneca COPD Drug Breztri Breezes Through Asthma Trials

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The triple therapy improves lung function in the Phase III KALOS and LOGOS studies

Transient FY26 For Syngene But Momentum In China +1 Projects

 
• By Anju Ghangurde

As biopharma derisks its business with China ‘rebalancing’ strategies, Syngene could convert majority of such pilots into full program contracts amid a challenging FY2025. The CRDMO also expects business discussions pertaining to a newly acquired US biologics site to mature into commercial opportunities.