CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Voyager Therapeutics, a gene therapy company developing life-changing treatments for fatal and debilitating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), today announced that it has been named by FierceBiotech as one of 2014’s Fierce 15 biotechnology companies, designating it as one of the most promising private biotechnology companies in the industry.
“With gene therapy celebrating a resurgence around the industry, Voyager Therapeutics and its sweeping approach to the field promise to bring both near-term treatments and better vectors for delivering one-time therapies,” says Damian Garde, editor of FierceBiotech. “With the support of Third Rock Ventures and the leadership of R&D veteran Steven Paul, the company has big plans to make a difference for patients facing debilitating diseases.”
Founded by scientific and clinical leaders in the fields of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy, expressed RNA interference and neuroscience, Voyager was launched by Third Rock Ventures in February 2014 with $45 million in Series A financing. The company’s AAV-based approach to gene therapy has the potential to transform treatment for a wide range of diseases. Voyager’s initial pipeline is focused on CNS diseases in dire need of effective new therapies, including Parkinson’s disease, a monogenic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Friedreich’s ataxia.
“We are delighted to have been selected for this prestigious award, which recognizes the potential that Voyager’s pipeline and product engine hold for the future of gene therapy,” said Steven Paul, M.D., chief executive officer of Voyager. "Our world-class founders and outstanding team positions Voyager to deliver breakthrough therapies and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients who currently have limited or no therapeutic options.”
The Fierce 15 celebrates the spirit of being “fierce” – championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. This is FierceBiotech’s twelfth annual Fierce 15 selection. A complete list of “Fierce 15” companies can be found online at www.fiercebiotech.com/fierce15.
An internationally recognized daily report reaching a network of over 270,000 biotech and pharma industry professionals, FierceBiotech provides subscribers with an authoritative analysis of the day's top stories. Every year FierceBiotech evaluates hundreds of private companies from around the world for its annual Fierce 15 list, which is based on a variety of factors such as the strength of its technology, partnerships, venture backers and a competitive market position.
About FierceBiotech
FierceBiotech is the biotech industry's daily monitor, an email newsletter and web resource providing the latest biotech news, articles, and resources related to clinical trials, drug discovery, FDA approval, FDA regulation, patent news, pharma news, biotech company news and more. More than 150,000 top biotech professionals rely on FierceBiotech for an insider briefing on the day's top stories. Signup is free at www.fiercebiotech.com/signup.
About Voyager Therapeutics
Voyager Therapeutics is a gene therapy company developing life-changing treatments for fatal and debilitating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Voyager is committed to advancing the field of AAV (adeno-associated virus) gene therapy through innovation and investment in vector optimization and engineering, dosing and delivery techniques, as well as process development and production. The company’s initial pipeline is focused on CNS diseases in dire need of effective new therapies, including Parkinson’s disease, a monogenic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Friedreich’s ataxia. Founded by scientific and clinical leaders in the fields of AAV gene therapy, expressed RNA interference and neuroscience, Voyager Therapeutics was launched in 2014 with funding from leading life sciences investor Third Rock Ventures and is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, please visit www.voyagertherapeutics.com.
