Allergan strikes $90 million CRISPR deal

Allergan Pharmaceuticals and Editas Medicine today announced a CRISPR research pact that will focus on ocular disorders.

Allergan will gain exclusive access and the option to license up to 5 of Editas’ genome-editing eye disease programs, including its lead program for Leber Congenital Amaurosis type 10 (LCA10), currently in preclinical development.

"The CRISPR genome editing platform holds the potential to transform the treatment of many genetic and non-genetically derived diseases, including diseases and conditions of the eye," said David Nicholson, Allergan’s Chief Research and Development Officer. "The Allergan team is excited to work with colleagues at Editas Medicine to develop and potentially deliver game-changing treatment for retinal diseases like LCA10. This program is highly complementary to our ongoing eye care development programs where unmet medical need exists for patients."

Under the terms of the agreement, Editas Medicine will receive an upfront payment of $90 million, and additional payments from development and commercial milestones, as well as royalty payments on a per-program basis.