October 14, 2020 -- Dyno Therapeutics has licensed its CapsidMap platform for the development of next-generation adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases and liver-directed therapies to Roche and its subsidiary Spark Therapeutics.
Dyno's proprietary platform identifies novel AAV capsids with optimized tissue targeting and immune-evading properties, in addition to improved packaging capacity and manufacturability, according to the company. CapsidMap uses artificial intelligence technology to design novel capsids and applies DNA library synthesis and next-generation DNA sequencing to measure in vivo gene delivery properties in high throughput.
Under the agreement, Dyno will be responsible for the design of novel AAV capsids with improved functional properties for gene therapy, and Roche and Spark will be responsible for conducting preclinical, clinical, and commercialization activities for gene therapy products using the novel capsids. Dyno will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and will be eligible for additional research payments as well as clinical and sales milestone payments and royalties for any resulting products. The potential milestone payments to Dyno may exceed $1.8 billion.