Crispr Therapeutics and Capsida Biotherapeutics announced a strategic collaboration to develop in vivo gene editing therapies for central nervous system (CNS) and liver diseases. According to the companies, the partnership will combine Crispr’s gene editing technologies with Capsida’s engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery platforms.
The companies said the collaboration aims to identify and advance therapeutic candidates that can precisely edit disease-causing genes in affected tissues. Capsida’s delivery technology is designed to target specific cell types while limiting exposure to other organs, which the companies claim could improve safety and efficacy profiles.
According to the companies, Crispr will lead research and development for liver-directed programs, while Capsida will oversee CNS-targeted programs. Both companies said they will share responsibilities for discovery, manufacturing, and clinical development activities.
The companies claim the partnership leverages complementary strengths: Crispr’s gene editing expertise and Capsida’s capsid engineering platform. The goal is to develop one-time treatments for diseases that currently have limited or no effective therapies.
According to the companies, financial terms include an upfront payment to Capsida, potential milestone payments, and royalties on future product sales. The collaboration reflects a shared strategy to expand gene editing into new therapeutic areas by addressing delivery challenges that have historically limited in vivo applications.
