Based on technology at University of Pennsylvania, iEcure has launched to commercialise gene therapies initially for liver disorders and an option to license more assets.
iEcure, a US-based mutation-agnostic in vivo gene-editing company, has been spun out of University of Pennsylvania with $50m in series A funding co-led by Versant Ventures and OrbiMed Advisors.
The spinout will focus on cures for devastating conditions with a high unmet need, and its approach relies on an endonuclease-based gene-editing technology delivered via adeno-associated virus.
It builds on research spearheaded by James Wilson, director of the Gene Therapy Program (GTP), the Rose H Weiss professor and director of the Orphan Disease Center and professor of medicine and paediatrics at University of Pennsylvania.
iEcure is initially focusing on the development of three programmes aimed at liver disorders and has an option to license more than another 10 assets in future. GTP will, under a joint research and development agreement, continue to lead preclinical work with iEcure until investigational new drug applications have been submitted.
The spinout…
Thierry Heles
Thierry Heles is the editor of Global University Venturing, host of the Beyond the Breakthrough interview podcast and responsible for the monthly GUV Gazette (sign up here for free).
