In a strategic effort to enhance its gene therapy portfolio, Astellas has secured an exclusive option and licensing agreement with AviadoBio for AVB-101, a gene therapy targeting frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and other conditions. Astellas has made a US$20 M equity investment in AviadoBio and will pay up to US$30 M in upfront payments. If Astellas exercises its option to license AVB-101, the total deal could be worth up to US$2.18 B, including milestone payments and royalties. This collaboration aims to meet the significant unmet needs in treating FTD, a severe early-onset dementia.