Sanofi and Sirion Biotech Enter Strategic Collaboration to Advance Next-Generation AAV Vectors for Gene Therapy
Sanofi
Pharmaceutical R&D Developer
SIRION Biotech
Viral Vector Technology Developer
Heidelberg University Hospital
Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is the oldest university in Germany. In the second half of the 16th century, it became a center of European scientific and cultural life. The university boasts numerous world-renowned departments; theology, law, medicine, and philosophy were the first four faculties established. Historically, eight Nobel laureates have been affiliated with the university. The university hospital was established in the early 19th century, with its surgical hospital founded in 1818.
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French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi is collaborating with German biotechnology company SIRION Biotech to develop virus-based gene delivery technologies.
On February 23, SIRION Biotech announced a collaboration with Sanofi and Professor Dirk Grimm, a partner at Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany, to develop novel, improved tissue-selective adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for delivering better and safer gene therapies. While the specific objectives of the collaboration were not explicitly detailed, the focus is primarily on diseases affecting major human organs. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Dr. Christian Mueller, Global Head of Genomic Medicine at Sanofi, stated, “This partnership injects new vitality into our expanding technological toolkit in the critical emerging field of gene therapy. By leveraging our expertise in virus-based vaccines and viral vector manufacturing, together with Professor Grimm’s cutting-edge AAV capsid evolution technology and SIRION’s expertise and capabilities in AAV vector manufacturing, the company will be better positioned to address unmet medical needs and pioneer new frontiers in drug discovery within genomic medicine.”
Another partner, Professor Dirk Grimm, is a world-renowned and pioneering scientist in the field of AAV biology and applications. His university possesses a proprietary technology platform for creating next-generation AAV vectors.
A few years ago, Sanofi began ramping up its efforts in gene therapy, aiming to leverage its vaccine expertise to catch up in this highly competitive field. Specific measures included repurposing a vaccine facility near Lyon, France, for the production of GMP-grade AAV. However, in 2020, Sanofi decided to return a portfolio of non-core gene therapy assets to its partner, Oxford Biomedica.
Dr. Christian Thirion, CEO and Co-Founder of SIRION Biotech, added, “Sanofi is an ideal partner, bringing decades of experience in treating a wide range of diseases and exploring viral vectors as a therapeutic modality. AAV vectors with enhanced efficacy can rapidly advance into clinical trials as efficient, safe, low-dose, and scalable therapeutic candidates, thereby expanding the impact of gene therapy.”
Two years ago, Sirion entered into similar agreements with other partners, including Denali Therapeutics, Acucela, and Orchard Therapeutics.
Based on Sirion’s proprietary shRNA sequence algorithm, recent projects have demonstrated that 80% successfully identified target shRNA sequences, with knockdown efficiencies exceeding 90%. shRNA expression in cells is achieved by delivering shRNA into cells using viral vectors. Various viral vectors can be employed to introduce shRNA into cells, including AAV, adenovirus, and lentivirus. Additionally, Sirion’s unique BOOST™ product is specifically designed to enhance the efficiency of viral gene transduction in hard-to-transduce mammalian and rodent cells, significantly increasing viral uptake without toxicity.
Reference Source: Sanofi, following Denali, pens gene therapy pact with Sirion Biotech
*Disclaimer: This article was written by an author contributing to Sina Medical News. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the position of Sina Medical News.