2021.01.18
Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) and Cure Genetics Co., Ltd (Cure Genetics) today announced a collaboration to develop novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for next-generation gene therapy through Cure Genetics's proprietary VELPTM platform. This new collaboration combines BI's experience in disease mechanism research and gene therapy development with Cure Genetics's expertise in viral library construction and high-efficient in vivo AAV screening, providing patients with potentially safer and more efficient novel AAV serotypes.
The clinical application of existing AAV serotypes is limited by low transduction efficiency, tissue specificity, and high immunogenicity. There is a critical need for new AAV serotypes to overcome these challenges in AAV-based gene therapies.
Compared to other traditional vector engineering technologies, Cure Genetics's proprietary VELPTM platform has several key innovations, including a comprehensive strategy for constructing plasmid libraries with high diversity and effective ratios. The optimized AAV production protocols ensure high rates of correct genome and capsid pairing and world-class viral library production. Simultaneous physiologically relevant animal models ensure the quality of AAV vector screening and validation. Through these technical innovations and optimizations, the VELPTM platform can significantly shortens the process of finding the "right" AAV vector.
“Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to developing the next generation of breakthrough medical therapies, and gene therapy is one of the key areas being explored by our cross-border R&D teams," said Dr. Weiyi Zhang, Head of BI's Greater China External Innovation Collaboration Center. The advanced VELPTMtechnology platform can provide an effective solution for improving the efficiency of novel AAV screening and help to further expand our work in the field of gene therapy development. We are excited to join forces with Cure Genetics and we believe that together we can improve the next generation of gene therapies."
Dr. Qiushi Li, Chief Operating Officer of Cure Genetics, said, "This is the first time that a global pharmaceutical company has partnered with a Chinese biotechnology company in the cutting-edge of AAV vector engineering. Thanks to BI's recognition of our VELPTM platform, the novel AAV vector that expands the therapeutic range, is the key to realizing the potential of gene therapy, which is also the innovation focus of Cure Genetics, we believe that the development of next-generation gene therapies with visionary partners such as BI can lead to an improved quality of life for more patients."
The collaboration with Cure Genetics was initiated by the Boehringer Ingelheim China External Innovation Collaboration Center. The center comprised of three business units - Cross-Border Research, Business Development & Licensing and Venture Capital. Cure Genetics is committed to becoming the partner of choice for biopharmaceutical industry in China, bringing more innovative collaborations into BI's global R&D pipeline, which will ultimately benefit more patients. To date, the BI China External Innovation Center has established partnerships with several leading Chinese research institutions and biotech companies.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
Developing new and better medicines for human and animal is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since founded in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim has remained an independent family-owned company, which gives us the freedom to pursue our long-term goals, identify future health challenges, and focus on areas where we can make the greatest contribution.
Boehringer Ingelheim is a leading global pharmaceutical company driven by research and development. In our three business areas of human pharmaceuticals, animal health and contract manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, we have more than 51,000 employees worldwide strive to deliver value through innovation. In 2019, BI achieved net sales of €19 billion. Our R&D spending of nearly €3.5 billion helps us accelerate the development of next-generation medicines that save patients' lives and improve quality of life.
In the field of life sciences, we are actively moving forward together with our partners and industry experts to explore additional scientific opportunities. By working together, we will accelerate the pace of future medical breakthroughs that will transform the lives of patients and for the benefit of our future generations.