Vect-Horus, Servier Ink CNS Drug Delivery Deal

Vect-Horus, a privately held biotechnology company that designs and develops molecular vectors facilitating the targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules and imaging agents, has inked a research evaluation and exclusive license option agreement with Servier, an independent international pharmaceutical group, to develop targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

Under the agreement, Vect-Horus will leverage its proprietary VECTrans technology platform to facilitate the transport of Servier’s oligonucleotide therapeutics across biological barriers to the brain, addressing one of the key challenges in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Alexandre Tokay, co-founder and CEO of Vect-Horus, said, “This agreement further validates the potential of our VECTrans platform to overcome delivery challenges in the CNS and expand therapeutic opportunities for patients suffering from serious neurological diseases.”

Vect-Horus and Servier will conduct the research evaluation activities jointly during an initial option period. Following this evaluation phase, Servier will have the exclusive option to advance selected compounds into clinical development and commercialization.

“Progress in rare neurological disorders depends on bringing together complementary expertise and a shared sense of purpose,” said Nitza Thomasson, Global Head of Neurology at Servier. “We are excited to work alongside Vect-Horus to unlock the potential of this technology and help advance transformative oligonucleotide therapies for patients.”

Vect-Horus will receive research and exclusivity fees during the option period. Upon exercise of the option, Vect-Horus will be eligible to receive an upfront payment, as well as development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. In addition, the company will be entitled to single-digit royalties on annual net product sales of any resulting commercialized products.