Sangamo's Genome Editing Program for Hemoglobinopathies to Transfer to Biogen's Spin-Off Bioverativ

RICHMOND, Calif., Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO), a leader in therapeutic genome editing, announced today that its collaborative zinc finger nuclease (ZFN)-mediated genome editing program for hemoglobinopathies will transfer to Bioverativ.

"Our collaboration with Biogen has been very successful, and we are delighted that these programs will be transitioning to Bioverativ," said Sandy Macrae, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., Sangamo's president and chief executive officer. "We believe that the incorporation of these programs into the Bioverativ pipeline will further progress the development of these potentially life-changing therapeutics."

"We are excited to add Sangamo's ZFN genome editing programs for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia to our pipeline, which will be focused on areas of significant unmet medical need in rare blood disorders," said John G. Cox, chief executive officer of Bioverativ, and Biogen's former executive vice president, pharmaceutical operations & technology. "We look forward to working with Sangamo to advance these important programs."

In 2014, Sangamo and Biogen entered into an exclusive worldwide research, development and commercialization collaboration and license agreement under which both companies agreed to develop and commercialize therapeutic genome editing products for the potential treatment of two inherited blood disorders, sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Bioverativ, the planned spin-off of Biogen's hemophilia business, is on track to launch as an independent, publicly-traded biotechnology company in early 2017.

About Sangamo 
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. is focused on Pioneering Genetic Cures™ for monogenic and infectious diseases by deploying its AAV-based gene therapy platform, and therapeutic genome editing and gene regulation platforms based on its novel zinc finger DNA-binding protein technology. The Company's proprietary zinc finger nuclease (ZFN)-mediated in vivo genome editing approach is focused on monogenic diseases, including hemophilia and lysosomal storage disorders MPS I and MPS II. Sangamo has initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for hemophilia B, the first in vivo genome editing application cleared by the FDA. In addition, Sangamo has Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 clinical programs in HIV/AIDS (SB-728). The Company has also formed a strategic collaboration with Biogen Inc. for hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, and with Shire International GmbH to develop therapeutics for Huntington's disease. It has established strategic partnerships with companies in non-therapeutic applications of its technology, including Dow AgroSciences and Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. For more information about Sangamo, visit the Company's website at www.sangamo.com.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on Sangamo's current expectations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, references to the research and development of novel ZFNs, potential therapeutic applications of its ZFP technology for the treatment of sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, hemophilia, MPS I and MPS II, other monogenic diseases, and HIV /AIDs, and the anticipated benefits and impacts of the transfer of hemoglobinopathy programs from Biogen to Bioverativ. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including technological challenges, uncertainties and risks relating to clinical trials, compliance with regulatory and other requirements, the ability of Sangamo and Bioverativ to develop commercially viable products and technological developments by our competitors. See the SEC filings, and in particular, the risk factors described in Sangamo's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Sangamo does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

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SOURCE Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.