Voyager Gets $100 Million from Novartis to Advance Novel Gene Therapies

Lexington-based Voyager Therapeutics has announced a strategic collaboration and license agreement with Novartis Pharma to advance potential gene therapies for Huntington’s disease (HD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The deal is worth $100 million upfront, with potential for another $1.2 billion in future milestone payments.=

“We are thrilled to expand our existing relationship with Novartis, a global leader in the gene therapy field,” said Alfred W. Sandrock, Jr., Voyager CEO. “Combining the proven capabilities of Novartis in gene therapy development and commercialization with Voyager’s [platform] could enable the advancement of important new therapies for patients. In addition, the consideration Voyager will receive from this collaboration will strengthen our balance sheet and extend our runway into mid-2026.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis has agreed to pay Voyager $100 million of consideration up front. In addition, Voyager is eligible to receive up to $1.2 billion in preclinical, development, regulatory and sales milestones, as well as tiered royalties on global net sales of products incorporating Voyager’s technology.

Voyager is dedicated to leveraging the power of human genetics to modify the course of – and ultimately cure – neurological diseases. Its pipeline includes programs for Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and multiple other diseases of the central nervous system. Some of its programs are wholly owned, and some are advancing with partners including Alexion, AstraZeneca and others, as well as Novartis Pharma. (Source: Voyager Therapeutics Website, 02 January, 2024)