MaxCyte inks licensing deal with Editas Medicine
MaxCyte announced a new clinical and commercial license agreement with Editas Medicine on Monday, in which Editas would use MaxCyte's ‘Flow Electroporation’ technology and ‘ExPERT’ instruments for the advancement of engineered cell medicines, including EDIT-301, which was described as an experimental CRISPR medicine designed to durably treat sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.
The AIM-traded firm said that under the terms of the agreement, Editas Medicine obtained non-exclusive clinical and commercial use rights to MaxCyte's cell engineering platform, to develop up to five therapies including four immuno-oncology therapies, and in return MaxCyte would receive development and approval milestones and sales-based payments in addition to other licensing fees.
“We look forward to working with MaxCyte and using its leading technology to develop EDIT-301 as a best-in-class medicine for the treatment of sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, and for up to four engineered cell medicines to treat cancer,” said Editas Medicine’s executive vice-president and chief scientific officer Charles Albright.
MaxCyte’s president and CEO Doug Doerfler said his company was “excited” to work with Editas Medicine, explaining that it was “at the forefront” of developing engineered cell medicines that had the potential to change the course of disease for many patients.
“This agreement is also a significant business milestone for MaxCyte as we continue to invest in our technology platform and help support companies at the leading edge of cell therapy and gene editing to develop medicines for patients in need.”