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VERTEX AND TREEFROG THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCE LICENSING AGREEMENT AND COLLABORATION TO OPTIMIZE PRODUCTION OF VERTEX'S CELL THERAPIES FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES

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Vertex Pharmaceuticals and TreeFrog Therapeutics have announced a licensing agreement and collaboration to optimize the production of Vertex's cell therapies for type 1 diabetes. Vertex obtained an exclusive license to TreeFrog's C-StemTM manufacturing technology, and the two companies will work together to scale up the production of fully differentiated, insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals e TreeFrog Therapeutics hanno annunciato un accordo di licenza e una collaborazione per ottimizzare la produzione delle terapie cellulari di Vertex per il diabete di tipo 1. Vertex ha ottenuto una licenza esclusiva per la tecnologia di produzione C-StemTM di TreeFrog, e le due aziende lavoreranno insieme per aumentare la produzione di cellule isolate pancreatiche completamente differenziate e produttrici di insulina.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals y TreeFrog Therapeutics han anunciado un acuerdo de licencia y colaboración para optimizar la producción de las terapias celulares de Vertex para la diabetes tipo 1. Vertex ha obtenido una licencia exclusiva para la tecnología de manufactura C-StemTM de TreeFrog, y ambas compañías trabajarán juntas para escalar la producción de células aisladas pancreáticas completamente diferenciadas que producen insulina.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals와 TreeFrog Therapeutics는 1형 당뇨병을 위한 Vertex의 세포 치료제 생산을 최적화하기 위한 라이선스 계약 및 협력을 발표하였습니다. Vertex는 TreeFrog의 C-StemTM 제조 기술에 대한 독점 라이선스를 획득하였고, 두 회사는 완전히 분화된 인슐린 생산 췌장 섬세포의 생산을 확대하기 위해 함께 작업할 것입니다.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals et TreeFrog Therapeutics ont annoncé un accord de licence et une collaboration pour optimiser la production des thérapies cellulaires de Vertex pour le diabète de type 1. Vertex a obtenu une licence exclusive pour la technologie de fabrication C-StemTM de TreeFrog, et les deux entreprises travailleront ensemble pour augmenter la production de cellules insulaires pancréatiques pleinement différenciées produisant de l'insuline.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals und TreeFrog Therapeutics haben eine Lizenzvereinbarung und Zusammenarbeit bekanntgegeben, um die Produktion von Vertex' Zelltherapien für Typ-1-Diabetes zu optimieren. Vertex hat eine exklusive Lizenz für die C-StemTM Herstellungstechnologie von TreeFrog erhalten, und die beiden Unternehmen werden zusammenarbeiten, um die Produktion von vollständig differenzierten, insulinproduzierenden pankreatischen Inselzellen zu skalieren.
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Vertex's exclusive license to TreeFrog's C-StemTM technology presents a strategic advancement in their development of cell therapies for type 1 diabetes. This partnership leverages TreeFrog's innovative approach to cell cultivation, which could significantly improve the scalability and efficiency of cell production for Vertex's ongoing VX-880 Ph 1/2 program.

The value for investors lies in the potential for reduced production costs and increased treatment capacity due to TreeFrog's 3D cell growth technology, possibly leading to a competitive advantage in the T1D therapeutic market. We should monitor Vertex's R&D expenditure in subsequent quarters for increases due to technology integration and potential impacts on their pipeline velocity.

Considering the substantial patient population for type 1 diabetes, Vertex's move to enhance manufacturing capabilities could meet a high demand and drive market penetration. The long-term implications for stakeholders include possible market share gains, subject to successful clinical outcomes and regulatory clearances.

An analysis of the competitive landscape shows that if Vertex successfully scales up production and lowers costs while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, it could position itself as a leader in the T1D space. The key to watch will be adoption rates post-commercialization and payer coverage, which will be critical for revenue generation.

TreeFrog's C-StemTM brings a disruptive technology to the table—biomimetic 3D cell culture. This advancement is not merely a technical improvement; it's a potential paradigm shift in manufacturing cell therapies. For investors, this could translate to a streamlined, cost-effective production line, aligning with industry trends towards personalized medicine.

Achieving a successful scale-up could set a new industry benchmark for quality and consistency in cell therapy production. However, logistic and regulatory challenges inherent in such novel production methods should be closely observed as they progress towards commercial-scale operations.

  • Vertex obtains an exclusive license to TreeFrog's C-StemTM  manufacturing technology in type 1 diabetes 
  • TreeFrog and Vertex to collaborate on scale-up of fully differentiated, insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells 

BOSTON and BORDEAUX, France, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) and TreeFrog Therapeutics today announced that Vertex has obtained an exclusive license to TreeFrog's proprietary cell manufacturing technology, C-StemTM, to optimize production of Vertex's cell therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D). TreeFrog and Vertex will collaborate to scale-up TreeFrog's process to produce and amplify cells for Vertex's T1D therapies.

TreeFrog's proprietary technology platform, C-Stem™, is designed to mimic the natural microenvironment, allowing cells to grow exponentially in 3D. The technology will enhance Vertex's ability to generate large amounts of fully differentiated cells for its portfolio of T1D cell therapies.

"Our goal is to transform the treatment of T1D, and our stem cell-derived, fully differentiated islet cell  VX-880 Ph 1/2  program has demonstrated this potential," said Morrey Atkinson Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Technical Operations Officer, Head of Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Manufacturing Operations, at Vertex. "We're excited to explore TreeFrog's C-StemTM to scale up stem cell production and deliver for the large number of people living with T1D."

"We are delighted to partner with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the clear leader in cell therapy for T1D. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply and further develop our C-Stem™ technology for a first-in-class cell therapy treatment which could meet a huge unmet need," said Frédéric Desdouits, Ph.D., CEO of TreeFrog Therapeutics. "This collaboration with Vertex advances our business strategy of helping bring best-in-class cell therapies to millions of people — both through our own therapeutic programs, and with best-in-class partners like Vertex. We look forward to combining TreeFrog's extensive experience in cell therapy production and biology with Vertex's renowned expertise in T1D and cell therapy to bring these transformative therapies to patients."

About the Transaction

Under the agreement, TreeFrog will receive a $25M upfront payment, an equity investment from Vertex and up to $215M in milestones paid in connection with the development of a scaled-up process for fully differentiated islet cells. TreeFrog is also eligible to receive an additional $540M in clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones on up to two future products and tiered single digit royalties. Vertex will fund all research and development costs related to the collaboration. Vertex will be responsible for all development and commercialization of its cell therapies.

About Vertex

Visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X.

About TreeFrog Therapeutics

TreeFrog Therapeutics is a French-based biotech company set to unlock access to cell therapies for millions of patients. www.treefrog.fr

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements by Morrey Atkinson, Ph.D., and Frédéric Desdouits, Ph.D., in this press release, statements about the terms of and expectations for Vertex's collaboration with TreeFrog, potential benefits and results that may be achieved through the collaboration to scale-up TreeFrog's process to produce and amplify cells for Vertex's T1D therapies, including the expectation that the technology will enhance Vertex's ability to generate large amounts of fully differentiated cells, statements regarding the future activities of the parties pursuant to the collaboration, and statements regarding upfront and milestone payments, Vertex's expected equity investment in TreeFrog and potential royalties on future products. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that the anticipated benefits and potential of Vertex's collaboration with TreeFrog may not be achieved on the anticipated timeline, or at all, that data may not support further development of the therapies subject to the collaboration due to safety, efficacy, or other reasons, and other risks listed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Vertex's annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and available through Vertex's website at www.vrtx.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.

(VRTX-GEN)

TreeFrog Therapeutics

Rachel Mooney
Chief Communications Officer
Rachel.mooney@treefrog.fr 

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SOURCE TreeFrog Therapeutics

FAQ

What is the focus of the licensing agreement between Vertex and TreeFrog Therapeutics related to the stock symbol VRTX?

The licensing agreement focuses on optimizing the production of Vertex's cell therapies for type 1 diabetes using TreeFrog's C-StemTM manufacturing technology.

What is the purpose of the collaboration between Vertex and TreeFrog Therapeutics regarding type 1 diabetes treatments?

The collaboration aims to scale up the production of fully differentiated, insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells for Vertex's type 1 diabetes therapies.

Who is Vertex Pharmaceuticals partnering with for the exclusive license of C-StemTM technology for type 1 diabetes treatment?

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is partnering with TreeFrog Therapeutics for the exclusive license of the C-StemTM technology for type 1 diabetes treatment.

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Vertex Pharmaceuticals is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts. It was one of the first biotech firms to use an explicit strategy of rational drug design rather than combinatorial chemistry.