Novartis Adds Vision Loss Gene Therapy Program Via Arctos Acquisition

  • Novartis AG NVS has acquired Arctos Medical, adding a preclinical optogenetics-based AAV gene therapy program and Arctos’ proprietary technology to its ophthalmology portfolio. 
  • Deal terms were not disclosed.
  • Related: Why Did Deutsche Bank Downgrade This Big Pharma Stock?
  • Arctos developed its technology as a potential method for treating inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) and other diseases that involve photoreceptor loss, such as age-related macular degeneration.
  • Arctos’ proprietary, light-sensitive optogene is delivered to specific retinal cells using gene therapy, thus turning the targeted cells into replacement photoreceptor-like cells.
  • Arctos was initially incubated by +ND Capital and was later supported by Novartis Venture Fund through a Series A financing round led by +ND Capital.
  • Price Action: NVS stock is up 0.81% at $83.47 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.
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Posted In: BiotechM&ANewsHealth CareGeneralBriefsEye Diseasesgene therapyPreclinical Phase
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