AviadoBio and Astellas Pharma have unveiled a strategic agreement granting Astellas an exclusive option to license AVB-101, an investigational gene therapy utilizing AAV (adeno-associated virus) technology. This therapy is currently undergoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials for patients suffering from frontotemporal dementia linked to progranulin mutations. Under this agreement, Astellas gains the option to secure global rights for the development and commercialization of AVB-101, not only for FTD-GRN but potentially for other indications as well.
The terms of the agreement include a $20 million equity investment by Astellas, along with up to $30 million in initial payments to secure the option for licensing AVB-101. Should Astellas choose to exercise this option, AviadoBio stands to receive up to $2.18 billion in licensing fees and milestone-based payments, in addition to royalties on potential future sales.
