VectorBuilder and Lir Therapeutics partner to advance AAV capsids for clinical development
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
VectorBuilder and Lir Therapeutics have entered into a strategic collaboration to develop adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids that combine strong biological performance with the manufacturing and scalability requirements needed for clinical development.
The partnership combines VectorBuilder's expertise in AAV discovery, capsid engineering, process development and GMP manufacturing with Lir Therapeutics' nAAVigator® artificial intelligence platform. The companies will work across the development process, from computational design and laboratory testing to manufacturing assessment and clinical translation.
Many AAV capsids with promising biological characteristics face challenges during manufacturing and scale-up. Improvements in tissue targeting or potency can sometimes result in lower yields, product quality issues or higher dosing requirements.
To address these challenges earlier in development, Lir will use its AI-powered nAAVigator® platform and laboratory-based optimisation workflow to improve selected capsids identified through VectorBuilder's DeepCap™ platform. The companies will focus on refining existing high-performing capsids rather than developing completely new vectors.
The collaboration will target improvements in manufacturing productivity and process robustness, full capsid yield and product quality, therapeutic dose requirements, and tissue specificity. The companies will also seek to reduce off-target delivery and immune recognition.
Lir's approach combines computational protein engineering with experimental validation. Working with VectorBuilder, the companies will use repeated cycles of AI-guided design, laboratory testing and manufacturing evaluation to optimise capsid performance across multiple areas.
The partners will initially assess several lead capsids for selected therapeutic applications. Data generated through the collaboration will support further development of VectorBuilder's capsid portfolio and may create opportunities for additional therapeutic partnerships.
The collaboration reflects a broader shift towards integrating AI-based design with experimental and manufacturing expertise in gene therapy development. By considering biological performance, manufacturability and clinical translation from the early stages, VectorBuilder and Lir aim to develop AAV vectors that can progress more efficiently from laboratory research towards clinical programmes.
Source: businesswire.com
