Abeona Therapeutics Inc. and Beacon Therapeutics announced an agreement by which Beacon will evaluate Abeona's patented AAV204 capsid for the development and commercialization of potential gene therapies for select ophthalmology indications. Under the terms of the agreement, Beacon will have the right to evaluate, for a 12-month period, the AAV204 capsid for potential use in certain ophthalmology indications, with an option to take a worldwide, non-exclusive license to use AAV204 in connection with up to five gene or disease targets. Beacon will also have the right to use AAV204 for up to four additional nominated gene or disease targets subject to certain conditions.

Under the agreement, Abeona will receive an upfront payment upon Beacon?s exercise of its option to license AAV204, with additional payments upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory, and sales milestones, along with tiered royalties on worldwide net sales for licensed products incorporating AAV204. Beacon will be responsible for the development and commercialization of all licensed products. The targets for which Beacon would receive rights under its non-exclusive license agreement are distinct from those currently in development at Abeona.