Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility Pty Ltd (VVMF) and Mirugen Pty Ltd (Mirugen) have co-signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate on the evaluation and potential development of Mirugen’s AAV-based gene therapy candidate.
Under the non-exclusive LoI, VVMF will undertake an initial pilot study to assess productivity, recovery, and quality attributes of Mirugen’s lead gene therapy candidate. The candidate targets Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic condition characterised by progressive degeneration of photoreceptors and associated vision loss.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing gene therapy innovation and strengthening Australia’s capabilities in the development and manufacture of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) onshore.
With the program progressing towards a first-in-human clinical trial, Mirugen is positioned to benefit from Australia’s globally competitive, capital-efficient clinical development environment, including research and development tax incentive frameworks.
The collaboration also supports the continued growth of the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and reinforces Australia’s position as an emerging hub for advanced biomanufacturing.
ATMPs are innovative therapies based on genes, cells or tissue engineering. These therapies are often complex, requiring specialised manufacturing expertise and infrastructure, and offer transformative potential in the treatment of serious diseases.
Stephen Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of VVMF, said:
“Collaborating with Mirugen provides an opportunity to support the evaluation and development of promising gene therapy candidates. This Letter of Intent reflects our focus on enabling high-quality process development and manufacturing pathways for emerging therapies, while strengthening Australia’s capability in viral vector manufacturing for the global CGT market.”
Charlotte Casebourne Stock, Executive Chair of Mirugen, said:
“We are pleased to work with VVMF on this pilot evaluation, as Mirugen advances its lead program towards clinical development. This study will allow us to assess an emerging Australian manufacturing capability against technical criteria, while supporting the continued growth of the local gene therapy ecosystem. We are taking a staged and evidence-led approach to manufacturing and look forward to evaluating the results of this initial work.”
About VVMF – Unlocking the Future of Medicine
Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility Pty. Ltd. (VVMF) is Australia’s only Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) dedicated to providing services in the research, design, development, and manufacture of viral vectors for advanced therapeutic applications. VVMF partners with researchers, clinicians, and bio-pharma companies to accelerate the path to market for cell and gene therapies to local and global patients.
Viral vectors play a crucial role in delivering genetic material into cells and are central to innovative treatments in areas of medicine including cancers and rare diseases.
Contact – For further information please contact media@vvmf.com.au
About Mirugen
Mirugen is a preclinical biotechnology company reprogramming cells to restore health. The company is initially focused on gene-agnostic regenerative therapies for retinal diseases, using a platform designed to reprogram endogenous Müller glial cells in vivo to generate new photoreceptors.
Mirugen’s lead program is targeting Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetically diverse group of inherited retinal diseases characterised by progressive photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss. By addressing the common endpoint of photoreceptor loss rather than an individual genetic mutation, Mirugen aims to restore retinal function for broad
patient populations.
Contact – for further information please contact hello@mirugen.com