A global strategic partnership and license agreement has been signed between the two companies, Minovia Therapeutics and Astellas Pharma, for conducting research, development and marketing of their latest cell therapy programs for the diseases caused by mitochondrial dysfunctioning.
The acceleration in the development of allogeneic mitochondria cell therapy programs is the sole intention of this alliance. These programs will facilitate in transferring healthy mitochondria to the patients with mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases, to restore their tissues.
The two companies will jointly conduct research for the cell therapy program claimants including genetically engineered, induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from Astellas, which are amplified using Minovia’s Mitochondrial Augmentation Therapy (MAT) platform technology.
Minovia’s MAT technology can facilitate in setting apart patient’s cells to donate healthy mitochondria from a donor and then infusing them back.
The company will be paid $20 million upfront money by Astellas, according to the deal. Moreover, it will also be getting up to $420 million milestone payments for each product, if Astellas becomes successful in developing and marketing therapy candidates with the help of this alliance.
“We share with Astellas both their passion for mitochondrial science and their commitment to patients in need of new therapies”. Stated Natalie Yivgi-Ohana, co-founder and CEO of Minovia Therapeutics.
She further added, “As Minovia continues the development of Mitochondrial Augmentation Therapy, we believe this partnership is critical to accelerating the development of off-the-shelf, allogeneic cell therapy programmes for the many patients living with mitochondrial diseases caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.”
Astellas expertise in mitochondrial biology has been expanded after its partnership with Minovia that it is all set to takeover Mitobridge and Nanna Therapeutics as well.
“This strategic collaboration with Minovia will accelerate and expand our pipeline of treatment options for patients with diseases with underlying mitochondrial dysfunction,” said Naoki Okamura, Representative Director, Corporate Executive Vice-president, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Astellas Pharma.
