LEO Pharma has acquired Replay, a herpes simplex virus (HSV) gene therapy platform, for $50m upfront, expanding the company’s presence in rare dermatology.
The deal also includes milestone payments and tiered single-digit royalties.
Gene therapy
Viral gene therapy uses engineered viruses to deliver therapeutic genetic materials into cells to treat disease at its source.
Replay’s gene therapy platform leverages HSV’s unique capacity to deliver large genes, suitable for addressing rare, genetic dermatological conditions.
The genetically modified HSV therapy is formulated as a topical gel that targets the deficient gene when applied directly to the skin.
Christophe Bourdon, CEO, LEO Pharma, said: “Replay’s HSV gene therapy platform holds significant promise for patients with rare genetic skin diseases, and realising its full potential requires focused expertise in medical dermatology.”
The company used an AI powered scouting platform to identify Replay as a high-potential opportunity.
Bourdon continued: “The acquisition aligns with our strategy of investing in the most impactful opportunities in dermatology and positions LEO Pharma at the forefront of next‑generation gene therapy.”
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
The lead drug candidate in Replay’s pipeline is currently in preclinical studies for the treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB).
DEB is a rare genetic condition that causes the skin to be fragile and blister easily, leading to chronic wounds that heal slowly and poorly, often resulting in scar tissue and skin cancer.
Lachlan MacKinnon, CEO, Replay, said that HSV’s natural tropism for skin cells, combined with the ability to administer repeat doses, makes it particularly well-suited for treating rare genetic dermatological conditions.
Martin Steiner, Managing Director, DEBRA Research, added: “Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa remains one of the most devastating genetic skin diseases with significant unmet need.
“Pairing Replay’s HSV gene therapy platform with LEO Pharma’s dermatology expertise and global infrastructure is exactly the kind of combination the DEB community needs.
“We welcome LEO Pharma’s commitment to rare disease and look forward to seeing this platform advance.”
Featured image: JHVEPhoto on Adobe Stock
