Astellas teams up with Sangamo to pioneer next-generation gene therapy solutions.

Astellas Pharma and Sangamo Therapeutics have partnered to develop genomic medicines for neurological diseases. The deal grants Astellas global rights to use Sangamo’s neurotropic adeno-associated virus capsid, STAC-BBB, which can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This technology aims to enable the development of new treatments for neurological diseases. Under the agreement, Astellas will pay Sangamo $20 million upfront and up to $1.3 billion in milestones for the option to develop STAC-BBB for five targets. Sangamo will also receive tiered royalties on sales of any marketed products. This partnership has the potential to lead to new treatment options for neurological diseases.