MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca, and 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT), a company focusing on Therapeutic Vector Evolution for adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy vector discovery and product development, announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize a gene therapeutic for patients with chronic lung disease, utilizing 4DMT’s novel discovery platform to generate optimized AAV vectors.
AAV vectors are a leading delivery vehicle for transporting genes to accessible tissues in the body for in-vivo expression and therapeutic application. They target both dividing and nondividing cells without integrating genetic material into the host genome. The genetic material transferred by AAV vectors into cells is the blueprint for the production of a protein whose function targets pathological processes contributing to diseases.
The collaboration will leverage 4DMT’s expertise in vector discovery and engineering, optimization and process development. MedImmune will conduct product development beginning from early clinical stages, drawing on the company’s extensive expertise in respiratory science.
Roland Kolbeck, vice president, research & development respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity at MedImmune, said, “Rapid advances in AAV therapy make this a promising tool to advance innovation in chronic lung disease, particularly in areas of high unmet need. This collaboration strategically pairs 4DMT’s expertise in AAV with MedImmune’s leadership in respiratory science, focused on early intervention and disease modification.”
David Kirn MD, CEO and co-founder of 4DMT, added, “This exciting collaboration may open the door to significant advancements in treatment for respiratory patients. Our progress in customized AAV vectors enables us to unlock the potential of gene therapy and, with MedImmune’s expertise in protein engineering, we will continue to push boundaries in proprietary gene delivery to tissues and cells.”
(Source: MedImmune)
Filed Under: Drug Discovery
