US FDA’s Peter Marks says companies are not exchanging information about adenoviral factors, which is probably slowing down the field. He describes NIH's plans for a bespoke gene therapy consortium for vector generation and continued efforts for regulatory harmonization.

In her new role as executive vice president, chief research officer, Sharon Hesterlee brings industry bone fides and nonprofit experiences to bear on tomorrow’s neuromuscular treatments and cures. 

AlloVir/Baylor, Soligenix/Hawaii and CEL-SCI/Georgia ink coronavirus collaborations, but deal-making continues in other areas as well, including Asklepios/UNC teaming on a gene therapy for Angelman syndrome and DeMelle licensing a targeted pancreatic cancer drug from Moffitt, among others.

Aevi needs to raise funds first, but hopes to develop MEDI2338 for adult-onset Still’s disease. Also, Alnylam plans to leverage Ironwood’s GI expertise for givosiran in acute hepatic porphyria and Ultragenyx snags option to buy GeneTx.