Sun Pharma inks joint venture with Intrexon

Photo: Reuters

Leading Indian pharma company Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Tuesday (October 1), announced the formation of a joint venture with Intrexon Corp in the US, a leader in synthetic biology, to develop controllable gene-based therapies for the treatment of ocular diseases that cause partial or total blindness.

According to a press release from Sun Pharma, the joint venture will initially focus on "dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa."

Intrexon and Sun Pharma will share both the financing of, and the revenues from, the joint venture. The companies will use the existing skill sets of both the companies.

Dilip Shanghvi, Managing Director of Sun Pharma, said: "We believe Intrexon's biotechnology capabilities will enable us to develop not one, but several highly effective, novel treatments for multiple ocular disorders where there is currently an unmet need. Through this partnership, it is our goal to provide relief for millions of people who today have very few treatment options and little hope of preserving their vision."

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Sun Pharma inks joint venture with Intrexon