Sangamo Therapeutics and Voyager Therapeutics enter licence agreement for epigenetic regulation treatment of prion disease.

Using its proprietary epigenetic regulation platform, Sangamo has developed zinc finger transcriptional regulators (ZF-TRs) which it believes can specifically and potently block expression of the prion protein, the pathogenic driver of prion disease. Sangamo’s ZF-TRs have been shown in animal models to significantly reduce expression of the prion protein in the brain, extend life span and limit formation of toxic prion aggregates. Under the agreement, Voyager has provided Sangamo with access to a capsid derived from Voyager’s proprietary TRACER platform. This capsid has been shown to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier when delivered intravenously in animal models. Under the terms of the agreement, Sangamo has received a non-exclusive license to combine a Voyager TRACER capsid with Sangamo’s ZF-TRs designed to treat prion disease. Sangamo is solely responsible for the research, development, manufacture and commercialization of any product candidates using the Voyager capsid. Voyager is eligible to earn certain license fees, royalties on potential commercial sales of any products using Voyager’s capsid, and, in the event the prion program is out licensed by Sangamo, a portion of all licensing revenues received with respect to this program. Sangamo expects to submit a potential IND for a product candidate treating prion disease in 2025.