Voyager Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: (VYGR) stock gained by 56.68% at last close whereas the VYGR stock price plunge by 4.39% in the after-hours trading session. Voyager Therapeutics is spearheading the next generation of AAV gene therapy in order to realize the technology’s ability to cure life-threatening illnesses.
VYGR stock’ Update
Pfizer Inc. may use options to license new capsids produced by Voyager Therapeutics’ RNA-driven TRACERTM screening technology, according to an agreement disclosed by VYGR. Pfizer is using two undisclosed transgenes to treat specific neurologic and cardiovascular disorders as part of its efforts to research, produce, and market gene treatments.
Pfizer will have the right to test new capsids chosen for the central nervous system and cardiac tropisms from Voyager’s TRACER system under the conditions of the deal. In addition, Pfizer can exercise options to license capsids for exclusive use in the research of AAV gene treatments integrating two undisclosed transgenes.
Furthermore,
Voyager will get $30 million as front and up to $20 million in exercise fees for two options that Pfizer can use within a year of the agreement. Furthermore, Voyager will be considered for up to $580 million in total research, regulatory, and commercial milestones connected with licensed medicines containing the two undisclosed Pfizer transgenes along with a Voyager licensed capsid. Based on net sales of Pfizer’s products using the licensed capsids, Voyager is also entitled to claim mid- to high-single-digit tiered royalties.
Michael Higgins, Interim CEO of Voyager stated,
This transaction exemplifies the TRACER platform’s ability to find new AAV capsids that target particular cells and tissues with better selectivity at lower dosages and with fewer off-target hazards than traditional AAV serotypes. Their TRACER platform, they think, has the tendency to create not only improved blood penetrant capsids but also novel capsids with enhanced tropisms across a wide range of tissues and cell types, possibly unlocking the maximum potential of gene therapies for a wide range of diseases with unmet medical needs.
