AbbVie and Capsida Biotherapeutics Inc. have expanded a strategic collaboration to develop genetic medicines for eye diseases with high unmet need.

AbbVie’s extensive capabilities will be paired with Capsida’s novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) engineering platform and manufacturing capability to identify and advance three programs. The collaboration builds upon the neurodegenerative disease partnership announced in 2021.

“This expanded collaboration with Capsida has the potential to develop transformative therapies for patients with serious eye diseases,” said Jonathon Sedgwick, vice president and global head of discovery research, AbbVie. “In pursuing the promise of genetic medicine-based therapeutics, AbbVie continues to expand our capabilities, and we are pleased to have Capsida as a partner.”

Peter Anastasiou, CEO, Capsida, said: “AbbVie has been an excellent partner, and we are excited to expand our collaboration into ophthalmology with the world leader in this therapeutic area. “Combining AbbVie’s expertise in eye disease drug development and commercialization with Capsida’s fully integrated next-generation AAV engineering platform and manufacturing capabilities offers the potential to provide novel therapies enabling unprecedented benefit to patients with serious eye diseases.”

Under the terms of the expanded agreement, Capsida will receive $70 million, consisting of upfront payments and a potential equity investment.

For the three programs, Capsida may be eligible to receive up to $595 million in option fees and research and development milestones, with potential for further commercial milestones.
In addition, Capsida is eligible to receive mid-to-high single-digit royalty payments on future product sales. Capsida will lead capsid discovery efforts for all programs using its high throughput AAV engineering platform and will be responsible for process development and early clinical manufacturing.

AbbVie said that it will lead innovative therapeutic cargo approaches and be responsible for development and commercialization.