MaxCyte Inc (NASDAQ: MXCT) has signed a strategic platform license with Vertex (NASDAQ:VRTX) Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX).
- Under the terms of the agreement, Vertex obtains non-exclusive clinical and commercial rights to use MaxCyte's Flow Electroporation technology and ExPERT platform in developing its CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-edited therapy (exa-cel, formerly known as CTX001).
- MaxCyte is entitled to receive platform licensing fees and program-related revenue.
- Exa-cel is an investigational ex vivo CRISPR gene-edited cell therapy for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT) or sickle cell disease (SCD).
- The same MaxCyte technology was used in the development of exa-cel under an agreement between MaxCyte and CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ: CRSP).
- On Tuesday, the FDA granted exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel) a rolling review for the potential treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT).
- Vertex will submit its biologics licensing application for exa-cel, beginning in November, and expects to complete the submission by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
- The company is on track to submit marketing applications to the European Medicines Agency by the end of the year.
- Price Action: MXCT shares are up 10.2% at $6.40 on the last check Wednesday.