Chicken factor for Genavia

Private Auckland biotech Genavia Therapeutics has purchased the rights to use technology developed by California company Origen to manufacture and market Factor VIII proteins in chicken eggs.

Factor VIII, an essential clotting protein missing in people with haemophilia A, is generally produced using cell culture technology or is extracted from donors.

Origen has developed technology using transgenic chicken whites to produce therapeutic proteins, including Factor VIII, Factor VII and Factor IX, the missing ingredient in haemophilia B.

The technology promises to produce proteins at a greatly reduced price than current methods, the companies said in a joint statement.

Genavia, which was established last year, concentrates on developing economical therapeutic options in areas that are currently under-served. Origen’s avian transgenic platform is aimed at recombinant protein therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies.

Under the agreement, Origen will receive equity in Genavia, royalties and milestone payments.