Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and U.S.-based Intrexon Corporation, a leading player in synthetic biology, have announced the formation of a joint venture.
A statement from Sun Pharma said that the JV would develop controllable gene-based therapies for treatment of ocular diseases that caused partial or total blindness. The initial targets are dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa.
Both companies would share the financing of the joint venture, the statement said. The JV would leverage Sun’s global capabilities and experience in developing and manufacturing complex dosage forms and specialty pharmaceuticals for niche therapy areas, the statement added. Through an exclusive channel-collabora tion, the JV would have access to Intrexon’s full suite of proprietary synthetic biology technologies, including the RheoSwitch Therapeutic System (RTS) platform, which is a method for controlling the location, concentration and timing of protein expression.
“Through this partnership, it is our goal to provide relief for millions of people who today have very few treatment options and little hope of preserving their vision,” he added.
