Magenta Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:MGTA) And Beam Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:BEAM) have announced their collaboration through which they will investigate MGTA-117 as a potential treatment for beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
MGTA-117 is an antibody-drug conjugate that was developed by Magenta Therapeutics. The collaborative venture will focus on evaluating its potential of the developmental treatment for beta-thalassemia and sickle cell patients that Beam has been treating with its base editing therapies. It, therefore, aims to establish the efficiencies of the combined solutions from both companies.
Beam has been investigating two base-editing approaches that target hemoglobinopathies. The first approach is a fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) program designed to raise fetal hemoglobin levels, an approach that might be effective for combatting beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The second approach is an innovative approach that seeks to correct the Makassar mutation, which is believed to cause sickle cell.
“We believe patients will benefit from a more precise process to remove hematopoietic stem cells and prepare them to receive genetic medicines,” stated Magenta Therapeutics CEO, Jason Gardner.
The two companies believe that their solutions complement each other
Dr. Gardner also pointed out that his company uses targeted ADCs for its conditioning programs. The CEO revealed that they specifically designed MGTA-117 such that its use can be optimized through a cell product that is genetically modified and one that can be implemented through an implant. He also added that Beam Therapeutics has advanced based editing technology that is the perfect match for Magenta’s conditioning approach. That is why the two companies are excited about their collaboration, through which they will attempt to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from targeted illnesses.
Beam Therapeutics CEO, John Evans stated that base editing can address the most life-long illnesses that people suffer from, including beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. He also added that combining the targeted conditioning provided by MGTA-117 with base editing technology’s high level of precision will bring additional therapeutic outcomes. The two companies expect that to be the case when their technologies are collaboratively used to address multiple illnesses.
