Goodwin Procter advised Voyager Therapeutics on its recently announced major strategic collaboration with Genzyme to discover, develop and commercialize novel gene therapies for severe central nervous system (CNS) disorders. According to the agreement, Genzyme will make an upfront commitment of $100 million to Voyager, including $65 million in cash, a $30 million equity investment in Voyager and additional in-kind contributions. Voyager is eligible to receive future potential development and sales milestone payments of up to $745 million, as well as tiered royalties on product sales.
Voyager Therapeutics is a gene therapy company developing life-changing treatments for fatal and debilitating diseases of the central nervous system. Voyager is committed to advancing the field of AAV (adeno-associated virus) gene therapy through innovation and investment in vector optimization and engineering, dosing and delivery techniques, as well as process development and production. The company’s pipeline is focused on CNS diseases in dire need of effective new therapies, including Parkinson’s disease, a monogenic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Friedreich’s ataxia and Huntington’s disease. Voyager is based in Cambridge, Mass.
Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for over 30 years. Focusing on rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, the company is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the patients and families it serves. Genzyme’s portfolio of transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine. As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients.
Goodwin previously advised Voyager on its 2014 launch and Series A financing.
The team advising Voyager was led by partners Mitchell Bloom and Chris Denn, and included associates Noelle Dubiansky.