ReCode Therapeutics, a genetic medicines company using superior delivery to power the next wave of mRNA and gene correction therapeutics, announced it has signed a multi-year research collaboration and option agreement with Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG. This strategic collaboration is focused on the discovery of precision genetic medicines through the development of a novel platform for full gene insertion by single vector delivery of gene editing and DNA cargoes.
“AskBio’s pioneering gene-editing technology is a powerful complement to our modular SORT LNP genetic medicines platform, which enables the precise delivery of a wide variety of genetic cargoes to specific organs and cells, including large, complex genetic cargoes and mixed payloads,” said Shehnaaz Suliman, M.D., MBA, M.Phil., chief executive officer of ReCode Therapeutics. “We are excited to combine these unique platforms to develop next-generation genetic therapies with the potential to transform the lives of patients suffering from a wide range of debilitating genetic diseases.”
Under the agreement, AskBio will combine its synthetic DNA and gene editing nucleases with ReCode’s selective organ targeting (SORT) lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology to develop an all-in-one solution that enables full gene insertion by delivering with precision both the gene editing tool and DNA as mixed cargo in a single LNP to desired targets. The collaboration could extend the reach of gene editing for liver and lung disease targets.
“This collaboration pairs AskBio’s expertise in synthetic DNA and CRISPR applications with ReCode’s novel SORT LNP delivery technology to enable the potential discovery of new genetic medicines with novel genetic cargoes,” said Sheila Mikhail, chief executive officer of AskBio. “Through this collaboration, we have an opportunity to advance AskBio’s gene editing and non-viral delivery efforts, which support and align with our commitment to serve as an engine of gene therapy innovation.”
Under the terms of the agreement, ReCode will receive an upfront cash payment with potential for downstream milestone payments and royalties on novel therapeutics resulting from the collaboration.
In June 2022, ReCode announced the closing of a $200 million Series B extension financing round, co-led by Leaps by Bayer, the impact investment unit of Bayer AG, and AyurMaya, an affiliate of Matrix Capital Management, with participation by Amgen Ventures. The initial Series B financing was co-led by Pfizer Ventures and EcoR1 Capital and included Sanofi Ventures, OrbiMed, Vida Ventures, MPM Capital, and other new and existing investors. Proceeds from the financing are being used to advance the development of ReCode’s platform and pipeline to selectively deliver genetic medicines to targeted organ and cell types in a predictable and programmable fashion.