AviadoBio Secures Option to Develop Rare Eye Disease Gene Therapy UGX-202 in $413 Million Deal with China’s UgeneX

UK-based AviadoBio has secured an option for the exclusive global development and commercialization rights (outside Greater China) to UgeneX’s clinical-stage gene therapy UGX-202, a one-time, intravitreally delivered AAV therapy aiming to restore vision by delivering a light-sensitive protein to retinal cells via optogenetics1 2 3.

The deal, worth up to $413 million including upfront payments, R&D and sales milestones, and royalties, could bring a new treatment option to global markets for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and potentially other retinal diseases1 2 3.

UGX-202 is already in clinical trials for retinitis pigmentosa, with a second undisclosed indication planned to enter the clinic by year-end1 2 3.

This partnership expands AviadoBio’s neurodegenerative pipeline into eye diseases, highlighting the growing international influence of Chinese biotech R&D1 2 3.

If AviadoBio exercises its option, UgeneX will receive payments tied to development, regulatory, and sales milestones, as well as royalties on net sales outside China1 3 4.

More than 1.5 million people worldwide live with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition with significant unmet medical need3 4 6.