Pfizer and Sangamo Therapeutics, a Richmond, California-based biotechnology company, have partnered to develop a potential gene therapy using zinc-finger-protein transcription factors (ZFP-TFs) to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration linked to mutations of the C9ORF72 gene.

Under the agreement, Sangamo will receive a $12-million upfront payment from Pfizer. Sangamo will be responsible for the development of ZFP-TF candidates. Pfizer will be operationally and financially responsible for subsequent research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization for the C9ORF72 ZFP-TF program and any resulting products. Sangamo is eligible to receive potential development and commercial milestone payments of up to $150 million as well as tiered royalties on net sales.

In May 2017, Sangamo and Pfizer entered into an exclusive, global collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of potential gene-therapy products for hemophilia A, including SB-525, which entered the clinic in August 2017.

Source: Pfizer