In an unexpected turn of events, CRISPR biotech company Intelli disclosed on Friday that it has decided to opt out of its partnership with Regeneron to develop a factor IX gene editing therapy. The collaboration, which was inked in 2020, had made Intelli responsible for 35% of the development costs in exchange for 35% of the profits.

Regeneron recently announced that the gene insertion program for factor IX had received clearance from the FDA to undergo testing in a clinical trial for individuals with hemophilia B. This trial is scheduled to commence in mid-2024. However, despite stepping away from the partnership, Intelli clarified in its SEC filing that Regeneron can still pursue the development of a CRISPR-based factor IX therapy under an earlier licensing agreement.

This decision leaves Intelli eligible for potential future milestones worth up to a substantial $320 million. Meanwhile, Intelli retains its 35% stake in the factor XII insertion program aimed at treating hemophilia A.

The departure from the Regeneron deal signifies a strategic shift in Intelli's focus towards its factor XII program. With the promising potential of this therapy, Intelli appears to have redirected its resources and efforts towards advancing their hemophilia A treatment.

It will be interesting to see how Intelli progresses with the factor XII program and whether it can achieve the same level of success and potential milestones as it aimed for in the now-terminated Regeneron partnership. The biotech industry will be keeping a close eye on developments in this space and the potential impact this shift may have on the treatment landscape for individuals with hemophilia A.

As of now, the specific reasons behind Intelli's departure from the Regeneron partnership remain unknown, but analysts and industry experts will likely be speculating on the potential factors and consequences in the coming days.