BlueRock Therapeutics, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, and Opsis Therapeutics Announce Strategic Alliance to Develop Off-the-Shelf iPSC-Based Cell Therapies for Retinal Diseases

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueRock Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company wholly owned by Bayer Group, together with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. and Opsis Therapeutics, LLC, announced on May 17 a strategic research and development alliance. FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics (FCDI) is a globally leading developer and manufacturer in the field of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) technology. Opsis Therapeutics, a joint venture co-founded by the company and Dr. David Gamm, focuses on developing cell therapies for patients with ocular diseases.

Companies within the alliance will combine their respective expertise to discover and develop “off-the-shelf” pluripotent stem cell therapies for ocular diseases. Under the agreement, BlueRock Therapeutics will have the option to secure exclusive licenses to three retinal cell therapy programs from the partner companies. These programs, currently in the preclinical development stage, target dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) associated with retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptor cells.

AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and vision impairment worldwide. Experts predict that by 2050, the number of affected individuals globally will reach 22 million. IRD is the primary cause of vision loss among individuals aged 15 to 45. To address the unmet need for therapies targeting blinding retinal diseases, this strategic R&D alliance will consolidate the necessary technologies and collective expertise to develop cell replacement therapies for AMD and IRD.

This partnership demonstrates strong strategic alignment, reflecting not only BlueRock Therapeutics’ mission to pioneer a new generation of cell therapies, but also the shared mission of FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics and Opsis Therapeutics to develop the optimal cell replacement therapy for retinal degenerative diseases.

Dr. Emile Nuwaysir, President and Chief Executive Officer of BlueRock Therapeutics, stated: “We firmly believe that living cells represent the breakthrough approach needed to treat retinal degenerative diseases such as AMD and IRDs. This strategic alliance will enable each party to focus on their respective core competencies while integrating Bayer’s deep expertise in ophthalmology. By leveraging these combined strengths to lead this rapidly advancing field, we anticipate delivering transformative benefits to the lives of millions.”