CHARLESTOWN, Mass. - Solid Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:SLDB), a biotechnology firm specializing in genetic medicines for neuromuscular and cardiac diseases, has entered into a licensing agreement with Armatus Bio for the development of a treatment for Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The agreement, announced today, grants Armatus Bio non-exclusive worldwide rights to use Solid's AAV-SLB101 capsid in its gene therapy research.
The AAV-SLB101 capsid has demonstrated potential in preclinical studies with improved muscle cell expression and biodistribution characteristics. As part of the agreement, Solid will provide Armatus Bio with AAV-SLB101 plasmid materials, preclinical data, as well as manufacturing and regulatory expertise to facilitate development.
Financial terms include an upfront payment to Solid, milestone payments upon development and sales achievements, and tiered royalties on net sales of any resulting products.
Armatus Bio is developing ARM-201, a single-dose RNAi-based therapeutic intended to address FSHD, a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakening and atrophy. The use of Solid's proprietary capsid is expected to enhance the delivery and efficacy of ARM-201 by targeting muscle tissue more effectively and reducing liver biodistribution.
Bo Cumbo, President and CEO of Solid Biosciences, expressed the company's intent to broadly license their capsid library, aiming to improve gene therapy outcomes for muscular disorders. Dr. Brian Price, CTO of Armatus Bio, highlighted the encouraging safety profile of AAV-SLB101 and its potential to lower AAV dose levels compared to first-generation capsids.
This partnership marks a strategic step for both companies in advancing their respective pipelines and addressing the unmet medical needs of patients with FSHD. Solid Biosciences maintains a diverse portfolio, including candidates for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and various cardiac conditions.
The collaboration is based on the shared goal of leveraging Solid's capsid technology to enhance Armatus Bio's therapeutic candidate's delivery and efficacy. The information for this article is based on a press release statement.
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