MeiraGTx Announces Gene Therapy Manufacturing Collaboration with Oxford Genetics

MeiraGTx, a London and New York-based gene therapy company, has established a new collaboration with Oxford Genetics, a leader in innovative synthetic biology-based technologies for biologics discovery, development and delivery. The collaboration will enable MeiraGTx and Oxford Genetics to develop novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, as well as packaging and producer cell lines to support the manufacturing needs of MeiraGTx's pipeline of gene therapy product candidates. The companies aim to create a fully scalable AAV production system that can satisfy the requirements for increased viral vector yields, process robustness and product efficacy. As part of the agreement, MeiraGTx gains exclusive, worldwide research and manufacturing rights to novel serotype specific AAV vectors, along with associated packaging and producer cell lines.

"We are very excited to collaborate with Oxford Genetics. It is one of many vital steps that we are taking to meet the production demands for our broadening range of gene therapies," said Alexandria Forbes, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, MeiraGTx. "We hope that our approach will lead to quicker development of effective new therapies for patients."

Dr. Ryan Cawood, CEO of Oxford Genetics, said: "We are delighted to be working alongside the MeiraGTx team on such an exciting project, which will take us another step forward in our vision to deliver breakthrough technologies to the biotherapeutic industry. By creating advanced AAV production systems we aim to power the expansion of gene therapy as it moves toward addressing the more common disease indications that present technologies cannot satisfy."