Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, has entered a definitive purchase and license agreement with Pfizer for a portfolio of preclinical gene therapy programs and enabling technologies. The agreement adds complementary pipeline assets and innovative technologies for next-generation genomic medicines.
 
Alexion will purchase and license the assets of Pfizer’s early-stage rare disease gene therapy portfolio for a total consideration of up to $1 billion, plus royalties on sales. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is anticipated to close in 3Q23.
 
Alexion will gain a number of novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids. AAV capsids have been shown to be an effective mechanism for delivering therapeutic gene cargos for gene therapy and gene editing. These new resources build on Alexion and AstraZeneca’s recent acquisition of LogicBio, with the objective to develop new gene therapies with improved safety and efficacy profiles. 
 
Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, said, “Today’s announcement represents another major step forward in Alexion and AstraZeneca’s ambition to be an industry leader in genomic medicine, which has potential to be transformative and even curative for patients with devastating diseases. We look forward to continuing our work to develop enhanced platforms and technologies with broad therapeutic application while integrating best-in-class expertise to accelerate promising therapeutics into the clinic.”