Apertura Gene Therapy, a biotechnology company developing next-generation adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids for delivering genetic medicines, has formed a strategic manufacturing collaboration with Viralgen, a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) specialising in recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) gene therapies, the two companies announced on Tuesday.

The collaboration is intended to support gene therapy programmes using Apertura's TfR1 CapX, a novel AAV capsid that targets human Transferrin Receptor 1 (hTfR1) to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Through this collaboration, Apertura licensees can efficiently access the TfR1 CapX plasmid through Viralgen's integrated AAV manufacturing platform by leveraging its technical expertise. The partnership aims to facilitate the scale-up process and ensure a seamless transition from research to clinical development.

Diego Garzon, PhD, Apertura's chief business officer, said: "We expect to see multiple Apertura partners advance programmes using TfR1 CapX into the clinic this year and next, and this collaboration with Viralgen is designed to facilitate the advancement of novel therapies leveraging TfR1 CapX."