Solid Biosciences Forges Strategic Alliance with Kinea Bio for Friedreich's Ataxia Gene Therapy, Bolstering Focus on DMD Pipeline

In a pivotal move set to redefine the landscape of gene therapy for Friedreich's ataxia, Solid Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: SLDB) has announced a significant strategic collaboration with Kinea Bio. This alliance grants Kinea Bio a worldwide, exclusive license to Solid Biosciences' groundbreaking gene therapy candidate, AAV-SLB101, designed specifically for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia.

Friedreich's ataxia is a devastating, progressive, and rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder that currently lacks effective treatments.

The licensing of AAV-SLB101 to Kinea Bio represents a critical step forward in addressing this unmet medical need, offering a beacon of hope for patients and their families.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kinea Bio, an innovative new biotechnology company, will assume full responsibility for all development, manufacturing, and commercialization costs associated with AAV-SLB101.

This comprehensive commitment by Kinea Bio highlights its confidence in the potential of this gene therapy to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

For Solid Biosciences, this collaboration is not just about advancing a promising therapeutic; it's also a financially astute maneuver.

The company is set to receive an upfront payment from Kinea Bio, with the potential for substantial additional financial incentives. These include significant development and commercial milestones that could reach up to $200 million, alongside tiered royalties on net sales of AAV-SLB101. This financial structure ensures Solid Biosciences benefits from the success of the program while mitigating its direct financial risks.

Kinea Bio enters the biotech arena with a strong foundation, having been co-founded by seasoned former executives from BioMarin Pharmaceutical.

Their collective experience in developing and bringing novel therapies to market bodes well for the diligent and rapid progression of AAV-SLB101 through clinical development and toward patient access.

Crucially, this strategic partnership allows Solid Biosciences to sharpen its focus on its core Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) programs.

The company retains full rights to its leading DMD gene therapy candidates, SGT-003 and SGT-001, both of which are central to Solid Biosciences' long-term vision. By strategically out-licensing AAV-SLB101, Solid Biosciences can now dedicate its resources and expertise more intensely to accelerating the development of these vital DMD therapies, aiming to deliver transformative treatments to patients suffering from this severe muscle-wasting disease.

In essence, this agreement is a win-win, creating a powerful synergy.

Kinea Bio gains access to a promising gene therapy for a devastating rare disease, while Solid Biosciences secures a valuable funding stream and the opportunity to double down on its foundational DMD research. It's a testament to the collaborative spirit driving biomedical innovation, promising a brighter future for patients battling both Friedreich's ataxia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.