REGENXBIO Inc. has entered an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Biogen for the development of gene therapy product candidates based on its NAV Technology Platform for the treatment of two rare genetic vision disorders. The NAV Technology Platform is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery platform consisting of exclusive rights to more than 100 novel AAV vectors, including AAV7, AAV8, AAV9 and AAVrh10.
 
Biogen has an exclusive worldwide research license, with rights to sublicense, to REGENXBIO’s NAV AAV8 and AAV9 vectors for the development of gene therapy product candidates for the treatment of two rare genetic vision disorders in humans. Upon selection of a single vector for each indication, the research license will convert to a commercial license. In return, REGENXBIO will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, ongoing fees, milestone payments and royalties on sales.
 
“This license agreement provides new validation of the potential of our NAV Technology Platform in ocular indications and is an important step in advancing NAV-based gene therapies to people suffering from rare genetic vision disorders,” said Kenneth T. Mills, president and chief executive officer of REGENXBIO. “We are pleased that Biogen, a respected biotechnology leader, has selected our NAV Technology Platform for the development of innovative gene therapies to improve treatment options in areas of significant unmet need.”
 
“We’re continually looking for opportunities to advance gene therapies to people lacking adequate treatments, through improved delivery vectors, like REGENXBIO’s NAV Technology Platform,” said Olivier Danos, Ph.D., senior vice president, Cell & Gene Therapy at Biogen. "This collaboration will enable us to expand our pipeline of treatments with the potential to improve health outcomes in diseases of the eye, an ideal setting for the delivery of targeted gene therapies.”