2seventy bio sells hemophilia and gene editing assets to Novo Nordisk

In a move that underscores its strategic refocus, 2seventy bio has sold its hemophilia A program and certain gene editing technologies for autoimmune diseases to Novo Nordisk. The sale, valued at up to $40 million, also includes the transfer of 2seventy's personnel involved in the program to Novo Nordisk. This transaction was announced after market close on June 26.

This divestiture will allow 2seventy bio to direct its efforts entirely toward the development and commercialization of Abecma, a CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma, in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb. The decision to sell off its hemophilia A program and gene editing technologies to Novo is the second significant divestment by 2seventy bio this year. Earlier in January, the company had transferred several cell therapy programs and 160 employees to Regeneron to create a new unit.

The roots of the hemophilia A program sale trace back to an agreement formed in 2019 between Novo Nordisk and 2seventy bio's former parent company, bluebird bio. This collaboration, centered on hemophilia A, was subsequently expanded in 2022. The new agreement terminates the prior collaboration, transferring the hemophilia A program to Novo Nordisk and granting Novo rights to 2seventy's in vivo gene editing technology, known as megaTAL. This technology will now be used outside of oncology and in gene editing for cell therapies targeting autoimmune diseases.

Karina Thorn, Ph.D., Novo Nordisk’s corporate vice president for global nucleic acid therapies research, expressed excitement about the expansion of their genome editing capabilities. She highlighted Novo Nordisk's commitment to developing curative therapies, particularly through the advancement of their next-generation in vivo genome editing program aimed at providing individuals with Hemophilia A a lifetime free from factor replacement therapy.

The agreement provides 2seventy bio with the potential to receive up to $40 million in payments. This financial boost will support the company's strategic shift toward focusing on Abecma, which represents a significant part of their future plans.

In January, 2seventy bio’s divestment to Regeneron involved a substantial workforce transition, including key leaders such as former Chief Scientific Officer Philip Gregory and former Chief Medical Officer Steve Bernstein, M.D. Following this transaction, the company downsized its remaining workforce to 65 employees, laying off about 55 others.

Novo Nordisk’s acquisition of the hemophilia A program comes at a strategic moment as BioMarin faces challenges with the rollout of Roctavian, the first FDA-approved gene therapy for hemophilia A. BioMarin has encountered obstacles related to reimbursement and infrastructure, making Novo's acquisition of 2seventy's program a potentially significant step in addressing these gaps and advancing treatment options for hemophilia patients.

This series of strategic divestments by 2seventy bio illustrates the company’s focus on consolidating its resources around key therapeutic areas, while Novo Nordisk continues to expand its capabilities in genome editing and gene therapies. The collaboration between the two companies is poised to make substantial advancements in the treatment of hemophilia A and autoimmune diseases, reflecting their shared commitment to innovative and life-changing medical therapies.