Roche moves into gene therapy market with $4bn acquisition

Major pharma player Roche has announced it will acquire gene therapy company Spark Therapeutics in a $4.8 billion deal.

The deal gives Roche access to Spark Therapeutics’ portfolio of gene therapies for genetic diseases including blindness, haemophilia, lysosomal storage disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Spark Therapeutics, which was the first company to receive FDA approval for a gene therapy for a genetic disease in 2017, could be a strong acquisition for Roche as more and more pharma companies target gene therapies.

In particular, Roche targeted Spark Therapeutics’ haemophilia A programme as a potential new treatment for the disease.  The company’s lead clinical asset SPK-8011 is expected to start Phase 3 sometime in 2019.

Severin Schwan, CEO of Roche, said, “Spark Therapeutics’ proven expertise in the entire gene therapy value chain may offer important new opportunities for the treatment of serious diseases. In particular, Spark Therapeutics’ haemophilia A programme could become a new therapeutic option for people living with this disease. We are also excited to continue the investments in Spark Therapeutics’ broad product portfolio and commitment to Philadelphia as a centre of excellence.” 

“As the only biotechnology company that has successfully commercialised a gene therapy for a genetic disease in the US, we have built unmatched competencies in the discovery, development and delivery of genetic medicines. But the needs of patients and families living with genetic diseases are immediate and their needs vast,” said Jeffrey D. Marrazzo, CEO of Spark Therapeutics. “With its worldwide reach and extensive resources, Roche will help us accelerate the development of more gene therapies for more patients for more diseases and further expedite our vision of a world where no life is limited by genetic disease.”