UCB Expands Gene Therapy Portfolio with Handl Therapeutics Purchase

Brussels, Belgium-based UCB is expanding its gene therapy capabilities by acquiring Belgian developer Handl Therapeutics and by partnering with Alachua, Fla.-based Lacerta Therapeutics.

Handl Therapeutics is focused on developing gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases while Lacerta is a clinical stage developer of proprietary adeno-associated virus vector technologies. The financial terms of the two deals were not disclosed.

UCB set up a corporate venture fund, UCB Ventures, in 2017 to invest in “breakthrough innovations in next-generation cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine, cell and tissue homeostasis, RNA-targeted therapeutics and patient engagement solutions that significantly improve outcomes,” the company said.