Fidelity Biosciences and Regenx Biosciences have formed Dimension Therapeutics, a gene therapy company focused on developing novel treatments for rare diseases. Dimension will focus on advancing its platform of gene therapy programs in rare diseases through clinical development, starting with lead programs in hemophilia and building out a product engine for AAV therapeutics.

Dimension has entered into an exclusive license and collaboration with Regenx. Regenx holds exclusive rights to a portfolio of over 100 patents and patent applications pertaining to its NAV vector technology. Dimension has acquired preferred access to NAV vector technology and rights in Regenx product programs in multiple rare disease indications.

“Gene therapy is a fundamental method of disease intervention, changing a patient’s genetic code to treat genetic disease, and in some cases providing a potential lifelong benefit following a single treatment,” said Thomas R. Beck, M.D., executive partner at Fidelity Biosciences and interim chief executive officer of Dimension Therapeutics. “A core challenge for gene therapy has been the development of safe, efficient 'vectors' to enable delivery of the replacement gene to the correct cells and tissues of the patient to yield benefit. We believe Regenx NAV vectors are the most promising approach for in vivo gene therapy and represent the potential for transformative therapy for patients.”

The company has appointed Sam Wadsworth, Ph.D., chief scientific officer. Wadsworth previously was head of gene therapy R&D at Genzyme, where he led preclinical development for multiple rare disease and gene therapy programs.

Ben Auspitz, partner at Fidelity Biosciences, has been appointed chairman of the board of Dimension, and will be joined by directors Allan M. Fox, founding and managing partner of Foxkiser, the entrepreneurial force behind Regenx; Donald J. Hayden, an experienced pharmaceutical executive and the chairman of Regenx; and Beck.