Metagenomi To Regain Full Development Rights To Its Wholly-Owned Base Editing And Rigs Systems
Metagenomi, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGX), a precision genetic medicines company committed to developing curative therapeutics for patients using its proprietary, comprehensive metagenomics-derived gene editing toolbox, today announced it has regained full global rights to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize its wholly-owned gene editing technologies, including base editors and RNA-mediated integration systems (RIGS), which were previously subject to exclusive rights granted to Moderna, Inc. Metagenomi and Moderna have mutually agreed to terminate their collaboration on primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1), and rights to develop the PH1 program, as well as all other rights granted under the collaboration, will be returned as part of the termination.
"We are pleased to regain full control of the development of base editing technology and RIGS systems so that we may advance them in areas of significant need, such as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Wilson's disease," said Brian C. Thomas, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Metagenomi, Inc.
Moderna's involvement in the collaboration, which includes the PH1 program, ended in conjunction with a strategic prioritization by the company. Moderna remains a Metagenomi shareholder.
This announcement represents a renewed opportunity to advance curative genetic medicine through the translation of Metagenomi's broad toolbox of wholly-owned gene editing technologies, as well as a broadened ability to engage with partners in target-specific application of these technologies.
"Over the past several years, we have built internal capabilities and expertise required to advance programs to the next phase of development," said Dr. Thomas. "In addition to exponential growth in terms of talent and footprint, we have leveraged significant private and public funding to greatly expand our gene editing toolbox, and established in-house manufacturing. With this announcement, we continue to have the opportunity to accelerate our mission to become the premier gene editing company."