Building its presence in gene therapy, Astellas has agreed to acquire Audentes Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company focused on treatments for rare neuromuscular diseases, for a total equity value of US$3 B. With the deal, Astellas gains access to six therapies including the company’s lead asset, AT132, which is currently in a Phase I/II study for the treatment of X-linked myotubular myopathy, as well as access to Audentes’ in-house large-scale cGMP manufacturing plant and expertise.