An experimental MeiraGTx gene therapy that has clinical data showing reversal of blindness in children born with a rare, inherited eye disorder is heading to Eli Lilly.

According to the terms of the agreement announcement Monday, Lilly is paying $75 million up front for global rights to the gene therapy, AAV-AIPL1. MeiraGTx could receive up to an additional $135 million in near-term payments tied to regulatory and approval milestones. The New York-based biotech is currently readying this gene therapy for submissions seeking regulatory approvals in the U.S. and Europe.

AAV-AIPL1 was developed to treat Leber congenital amaurosis 4 (LCA4) caused by genetic mutations in the AIPL1 gene. AIPL1 protein is important for proper function of the rod and cone photoreceptors of the eye. Mutated v

See Full Page