Astellas, AviadoBio Strike Exclusive Option, License Agreement for Potential Treatment for Frontotemporal Dementia

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Astellas Pharma and AviadoBio Ltd. have announced an exclusive option and license agreement for AVB-101, an AAV-based gene therapy currently in Phase I/II development for treating frontotemporal dementia with progranulin mutations (FTD-GRN). According to Astellas, the deal gives the company the licensing option to develop and commercialize AVB-101 for FTD-GRN and other indications globally.¹

“As we complete dosing of the first cohort of patients in our Phase I/II ASPIRE-FTD trial of AVB-101, we are excited about the potential of this collaboration to help address the unmet need that exists today in frontotemporal dementia. This strategic collaboration will combine our promising gene therapy candidate for FTD-GRN and delivery expertise with Astellas’ global capabilities in development and commercialization of gene therapies. Together, we can further accelerate delivering this investigational medicine to families around the world who so desperately need treatment options for FTD-GRN and other neurological diseases,” said Lisa Deschamps, CEO, AviadoBio, in a press release.

Under financial terms, the deal includes a $20 million equity investment, up to $30 million in upfront payments, and potential milestone payments and royalties, totaling up to $2.18 billion for AviadoBio.¹

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, FTD is a rare form of dementia, suspected to only account for one in every 30 cases of Alzheimer disease. While it is most common between 45 and 64 years of age, it can develop in either younger or older people. Variants of FTD include behavioral variant FTD, semantic dementia, progressive non-fluent aphasia, and frontotemporal dementia with motor neurone disease.²

"We look forward to collaborating with the team at AviadoBio as we expand our gene therapy pipeline to help a broader range of people living with debilitating, neurodegenerative diseases. AVB-101 represents a truly innovative approach to the treatment of FTD-GRN and has the potential to be part of the next generation of gene therapy products through the creation of this agreement. Genetic regulation remains a cornerstone of our primary focus strategy at Astellas, and this agreement helps us to continue to provide potential solutions for patients in need,” said Adam Pearson, chief strategy officer, Astellas, in the press release.

References

1. Astellas and AviadoBio Announce Exclusive Option and License Agreement for Gene Therapy AVB-101 Targeting Frontotemporal Dementia and Other Indications. Astellas. October 8, 2024. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://www.astellas.com/en/news/29501

2. FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA. Alzheimer’s Research UK. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/frontotemporal-dementia/