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VectorY Therapeutics partners with Shape Therapeutics to advance innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases using SHP-DB1 technology and AAV5 capsids.
VectorY will be granted an exclusive option to evaluate the deep-brain penetrating adeno-associated virus capsid along with the option for the exclusive license.
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VectorY Therapeutics announced it has entered into an option and license agreement with Shape Therapeutics granting VectorY the exclusive option to evaluate and advance SHP-DB. VectorY is entitled to obtain an exclusive license for SHP-DB1 following successful evaluation of the treatment option.
“The addition of Shape’s SHP-DB1 technology is a strategic fit with our mission to deliver transformative and disease modifying safe and effective therapies for devastating neurodegenerative diseases,” said Jim Scibetta, chief executive officer of VectorY Therapeutics. “We designated AAV5 as our capsid of choice from the company founding and are deploying an AAV5 capsid in our lead asset, VTx-002, a TDP-43 motor neuron (non-deep brain) targeting vectorized antibody for ALS, for which we expect to file an IND and CTA by the end of 2025. This partnership strengthens our pipeline and expands our ability to leverage AAV5, a proven and safe viral vector delivery modality to bring transformative therapies to patients.”
Per the terms of the agreement, VectorY is granted access to Shape’s proprietary capsid and will assume responsibility for advancing development and commercialization of resulting therapies. Shape holds the potential to receive upwards of $1.2 billion in total fees and milestone payments from the agreement and will also receive an upfront payment from VectorY. If VectorY exercises the option of the agreement, Shape will become eligible for regulatory, development, and commercial milestones, valued at a total of $338 million for rare disease programs, and upwards of $503.5 million for non-rare disease programs. Shape will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties on future sales of licensed products included in the agreement. Also included in the collaboration is IV-administered delivery of multiple programs spanning VectorY’s pipeline, such as VTx-003 and VTx-005.
SHP-DB1 is a part of Shape’s broader platform of engineered AAV5 capsids, designed to overcome the limitations of naturally occurring AAV serotypes.1 SHP-DB1 displays the improved ability to penetrate deep regions of the brain in non-human primates, along with simultaneously de-targeting areas of known AAV toxicity risk such as the liver and dorsal root ganglion, which in turn enables IV delivery of genetic medicines to neuronal populations that are not accessible with conventional capsids.1 AAV5 is clinically validated as a safe and effective delivery vector compared to other serotypes such as AAV9. The treatment also has advantages over other serotypes including lower hepatotoxicity and immunogenicity, along with broad CNS tropism. 1 VectorY’s decision to select SHP-DB1 portrays the company’s commitment to delivering safe and non-invasive vectorized antibody therapies to patients with neurodegenerative disease.
Adrian Briggs, interim chief executive officer and chief technology officer of Shape Therapeutics, touched on the option and license agreement with VectorY, saying, “We are excited to partner with VectorY, whose innovative vectorized antibody approach has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative diseases. This deal highlights the power of Shape’s AAV engineering platform, our breakthrough data showing SHP-DB1's ability to deliver genetic medicines to deep regions of the brain, and our commitment to expanding access to our capsids through partnerships that enable new treatment options for patients.”
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