Tessera Therapeutics Secures $50 Million Investment for Sickle Cell Research
Deal News | Jan 02, 2025 | Goodwin
Tessera Therapeutics has entered into a significant investment agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aimed at advancing its groundbreaking in vivo genetic treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD). The collaboration includes an investment of up to $50 million, which will aid Tessera's efforts to bring their SCD program into clinical phases. Tessera, founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering, is at the forefront of genome engineering technologies through its innovative Gene Writing and delivery platforms. These platforms aim to revolutionize genetic medicine by enabling precise therapeutic interventions, from correcting single-gene disorders to modifying inherited disease risk and preparing engineered cells to tackle cancer and other conditions. The advisory team from Goodwin, led by Sarah Solomon and several partners, played a crucial role in cementing this strategic partnership with the Gates Foundation, which furthers Tessera’s global objective of making genetic innovations widely accessible for curing diseases.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
Geography
- United States – Tessera Therapeutics is based in the United States, and the investment deal involves prominent U.S. entities.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The article focuses on Tessera Therapeutics, a company engaged in genome engineering and genetic treatments, which is a key segment within the biotechnology industry.
- Pharmaceuticals – Tessera is working on therapeutic solutions and treatments for diseases, including sickle cell disease, aligning with the pharmaceutical industry's focus.
Financials
- $50 Million – The potential total investment amount from the Gates Foundation for supporting Tessera’s sickle cell disease program.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tessera Therapeutics | Target Company | Company | Tessera Therapeutics is a biotech company developing innovative genome engineering technologies. |
| Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Investor | Charity | The Gates Foundation is providing up to $50 million investment in the development of Tessera's SCD program. |
| Goodwin | Legal Advisor | Company | Goodwin acted as the legal advisor to Tessera Therapeutics for the investment deal with the Gates Foundation. |
| Flagship Pioneering | Founding Entity | Company | A life sciences enterprise that founded Tessera Therapeutics and develops bioplatform companies. |