Roche’s ex-U.S. deal for Sarepta DMD programs could extend beyond micro-dystrophin gene therapy

After weathering one clinical failure in DMD this fall, Roche broadened its commitment to gene therapy by obtaining ex-U.S. rights to Sarepta’s micro-dystrophin-targeting program in a deal worth more than $1.1 billion up front. Roche also receives an option to gain territorial rights to additional DMD programs from Sarepta -- including both of its approved drugs.

Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) will pay Sarepta $750 million in cash and purchase $400 million in equity. Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SRPT) is eligible for another $1.7 billion in milestones, plus royalties. The parties will share costs of developing SRP-9001 (rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-Dystrophin), which is in a placebo-controlled Phase II trial to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. ...