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Sanofi Invests $30M in Gene Therapy Company MeiraGTx

Sanofi receives right of first negotiation to use MeiraGTx’s Riboswitch gene regulation technology for certain immunology, CNS, and metabolic targets.

Sanofi has made a $30 million strategic investment in MeiraGTx Holdings plc, a clinical stage gene therapy company, through the purchase of 4 million ordinary shares.

Sanofi receives right of first negotiation to use MeiraGTx’s Riboswitch gene regulation technology for certain immunology, inflammation, and CNS targets, GLP-1 and other gut peptides for metabolic disease, and for MeiraGTx’s Phase 2 Xerostomia program.

Riboswitch is a short sequence of DNA that can be added to a gene therapy that can be toggled on and off with an oral pill to precisely control when and how much of the gene therapy gets made. The company has generated encouraging preclinical data demonstrating the ability to control the production of antibodies, gut peptides, hormones, and a range of other molecules. 

“We are very pleased with this first strategic investment from Sanofi,” said Alexandria Forbes, President, and CEO of MeiraGTx. “We view Sanofi’s interest in our Riboswitch gene regulation technology and our clinical Xerostomia program as further validation of the broad potential of our vertically integrated platform and we are excited to work with Sanofi as we advance these programs.”

Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, said, “Our mission at Sanofi is to deliver first or best in class medicines and vaccines for patients. So, we welcome technological innovations that help us chase the scientific miracles of the future. We believe that MeiraGTx’s Riboswitch platform, supported by its unique manufacturing capabilities, is such a technology. We look forward to working alongside MeiraGTx as this innovative science moves forward to create a new generation of breakthrough medicines for immune-mediated and neurological diseases.”

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