Avalanche & Lonza to Collaborate on Adeno-associated Viral Vectors

Avalanche and Lonza are partnering up to develop and manufacture AAV vectors for the treatment of eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

Avalanche Biotechnologies and biologics manufacturing specialist Lonza have announced a new collaboration for the manufacture of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for gene therapy.

The two companies will work together on the development and high-yield production of AAV vectors, which are currently one of the most promising gene delivery vehicles for the treatment of a range of diseases.

Their work will be based on a novel technology using stable baculovirus, which was licensed by Avalanche from Virovek.

It aims to advance Avalanche's clinical programme, with the technology being made available to third parties through Lonza.