Elpida Therapeutics, Catalent Partner on AAV Gene Therapy Manufacturing

Elpida Therapeutics, a non-profit biotechnology company developing gene therapies for ultra-rare diseases, and Catalent, Inc., the leader in enabling the development and supply of better treatments for patients worldwide, today announced a strategic partnership to support late-phase manufacturing of Elpida’s lead program, an AAV9 gene therapy for Spastic Paraplegia Type 50 (SPG50). Under the agreement, Catalent will also be granted exclusive manufacturing rights to Elpida’s other pipeline adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy programs.

“This collaboration with Catalent represents a critical step in ensuring continued patient access to our SPG50 gene therapy program. Without this support, the final patient planned for treatment by the end of this year could have marked the end of this therapy’s availability,” said Terry Pirovolakis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Elpida Therapeutics. “Together, we are building a path to reach all patients living with SPG50 and, ultimately, other devastating ultra-rare diseases.”

“This partnership reflects Catalent’s commitment to applying our broad gene therapy manufacturing expertise and Patient First approach to programs with significant unmet need,” said David McErlane, Biologics Group President for Catalent. “By leveraging our broad expertise in end-to-end AAV capabilities, we look forward to supporting Elpida’s SPG50 program through late-phase manufacturing so it can advance toward regulatory submission.”