Vertex, Arbor Forge Potential $1.2 Billion Plus Deal for Gene-Editing Therapies

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has struck a deal with Arbor Biotechnologies to develop cell therapies using Arbor’s CRISPR gene-editing technology, building on a previous agreement in 2018.

Vertex plans to use Arbor’s technology to produce insulin-producing hypoimmune islet cells for type 1 diabetic medicines, next-generation sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia therapies and treatments for other diseases.

Vertex will pay an undisclosed upfront payment, with Arbor eligible to receive up to $1.2 billion in additional milestone-based payments.