Axovant deepens gene therapy pipeline with Benitec deal

Axovant Sciences Ltd. (NASDAQ:AXON) broadened its gene therapy pipeline by obtaining exclusive, worldwide rights from Benitec Biopharma Ltd. (ASX:BLT; NASDAQ:BNTC) to BB-301. Axovant plans to start a placebo-controlled clinical trial next year of the gene therapy to treat oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), a rare myopathy.

The partners also began a research collaboration to develop gene therapy products to treat neurological disorders...