AbbVie, Capsida announce expanded genetic medicines for eye diseases pact

AbbVie and Capsida Biotherapeutics announced an expanded strategic collaboration to develop genetic medicines for eye diseases with high unmet need. AbbVie’s extensive capabilities will be paired with Capsida’s novel adeno-associated virus, or AAV, engineering platform and manufacturing capability to identify and advance three programs. The collaboration builds upon the neurodegenerative disease partnership announced in 2021. Under the terms of the expanded agreement, Capsida will receive $70M, consisting of upfront payments and a potential equity investment. For the three programs, Capsida may be eligible to receive up to $595M in option fees and research and development milestones, with potential for further commercial milestones. Capsida is also eligible to receive mid-to-high single-digit royalty payments on future product sales. Capsida will lead capsid discovery efforts for all programs using its high throughput AAV engineering platform and will be responsible for process development and early clinical manufacturing. AbbVie will lead innovative therapeutic cargo approaches and be responsible for development and commercialization.