Precision BioSciences Receives $7.5M Milestone Payment
Precision BioSciences (DTIL) announced the achievement of a clinical milestone under its license agreement with TG Therapeutics (TGTX). The milestone payment for azercabtagene zapreleucel was triggered by progress of a Phase 1 clinical trial of azer-cel in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. As a result of this milestone event, Precision will receive $7.5M in proceeds, inclusive of $5.25M cash and $2.25M for the purchase of 201,504 shares of Precision common stock by TG Therapeutics at $11.17 per share, pursuant to the terms of the companies' license agreement. Existing cash and cash equivalents, inclusive of the azer-cel milestone proceeds, continued fiscal and operating discipline, and availability of the ATM facility, are expected to provide sufficient cash runway through 2028. In January 2024, Precision BioSciences announced a licensing deal, granting TG Therapeutics exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize azer-cel in autoimmune diseases and other non-oncology indications. Under the agreement, Precision received upfront and potential near-term economics and remains eligible for additional development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, as well as royalties on net sales. Precision is eligible to receive up to $288M in additional milestone payments as well as high-single-digit to low-double-digit royalties on net sales.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on DTIL
About DTIL
About the author

- Fast Track Designation: Precision BioSciences announced that its gene editing therapy PBGENE-DMD has received Fast Track designation from the FDA, aimed at expediting the development of treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), highlighting the significant unmet medical need in this condition.
- Clinical Study Plans: The company plans to host a virtual webinar on March 17, 2026, to discuss the clinical utility of PBGENE-DMD and the upcoming Phase 1/2 FUNCTION-DMD clinical study, which is expected to provide new treatment options for DMD patients.
- Therapeutic Innovation: PBGENE-DMD utilizes a unique gene excision approach targeting mutations in exons 45-55 affecting 60% of DMD patients, designed to permanently edit the dystrophin gene through a single AAV vector encoding two ARCUS proteins, thereby restoring the production of functional muscle protein.
- Preclinical Study Results: In preclinical studies, PBGENE-DMD demonstrated significant functional improvements by restoring near full-length functional dystrophin protein across various muscle types, indicating its potential efficacy and long-term durability in treating DMD.
- Fast Track Designation: Precision BioSciences' investigational therapy PBGENE-DMD has received Fast Track designation from the FDA, aimed at accelerating the development of treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, addressing significant unmet medical needs in this area.
- Regulatory Milestone: CEO Michael Amoroso stated that this designation represents an important regulatory milestone for PBGENE-DMD, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments for patients suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- Clinical Advancement: The Fast Track designation, along with the recent IND clearance, is expected to propel PBGENE-DMD's clinical investigation in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Market Potential: With FDA support, PBGENE-DMD is poised to achieve positive outcomes in future clinical trials, providing a strong impetus for Precision BioSciences' growth in the rare disease sector.
- Fast Track Designation: Precision BioSciences' PBGENE-DMD has received FDA Fast Track designation, aimed at expediting the development and review of treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), highlighting the significant unmet medical need in this area.
- Clinical Study Plans: The company plans to host a virtual KOL event on March 17, 2026, to discuss PBGENE-DMD and its upcoming Phase 1/2 FUNCTION-DMD clinical study, which is expected to provide new treatment options for DMD patients.
- Technological Innovation: PBGENE-DMD utilizes a gene excision approach targeting mutations in exons 45-55, potentially offering durable functional muscle improvement for up to 60% of boys with DMD, showcasing its uniqueness and potential in the treatment landscape.
- Preclinical Research Results: In preclinical studies, PBGENE-DMD demonstrated significant functional improvements in a DMD mouse model, restoring function across cardiac, diaphragm, and various skeletal muscles, indicating its feasibility and efficacy for future clinical applications.
- Clinical Trial Launch: The FDA's 'Study May Proceed' notification allows Precision BioSciences to initiate the FUNCTION-DMD Phase 1/2 clinical trial, aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of PBGENE-DMD in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), marking a significant advancement in the gene editing field.
- Gene Editing Innovation: PBGENE-DMD employs a gene excision approach designed to permanently correct the dystrophin gene in approximately 60% of DMD patients, restoring near full-length functional dystrophin protein, which is expected to significantly improve functional outcomes for patients and offer potential long-term therapeutic effects.
- Investor Event Arrangement: The company plans to host a virtual investor event in March following the Muscular Dystrophy Association meeting to discuss the PBGENE-DMD program and the FUNCTION-DMD clinical study, featuring participation from multiple key opinion leaders, thereby enhancing collaboration with patients and the medical community.
- Future Outlook: The first clinical trial site is expected to be activated in the first half of 2026, with initial data anticipated by the end of 2026; if supportive data is obtained, the company will engage with the FDA to align on the regulatory path forward, advancing treatment options for DMD.
- FDA Clinical Trial Approval: Precision BioSciences received a 'Study May Proceed' notification from the FDA, allowing the initiation of the FUNCTION-DMD Phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PBGENE-DMD in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, marking a significant advancement in the gene editing field.
- Gene Editing Innovation: PBGENE-DMD utilizes a gene excision approach targeting mutations in exons 45-55 affecting 60% of DMD patients, aiming to restore near full-length functional dystrophin protein, which is expected to significantly improve muscle function and address existing treatment gaps.
- Clinical Trial Progress: The company plans to activate its first clinical trial site in the U.S. in the first half of 2026, with initial data expected by year-end 2026; if results are supportive, the company will engage with the FDA to discuss the regulatory pathway forward, demonstrating its commitment to accelerating treatment progress.
- Investor Event Arrangement: Precision plans to host a virtual investor event in March following the Muscular Dystrophy Association meeting to discuss the PBGENE-DMD program and the FUNCTION-DMD clinical study, featuring participation from key opinion leaders in the medical and patient advocacy communities, enhancing communication with stakeholders.

- Clinical Trial Progress: Precision BioSciences' PBGENE-HBV is currently undergoing the Phase 1/2a ELIMINATE-B trial, which has shown dose-dependent antiviral activity, with data updates expected at medical conferences in 2026, potentially offering a cure for chronic hepatitis B patients.
- Strong Financial Position: As of December 31, 2025, Precision anticipates having approximately $137 million in cash and cash equivalents, which is expected to fund key data milestones for PBGENE-HBV and PBGENE-DMD, ensuring operational stability through 2028.
- New DMD Treatment Approach: The PBGENE-DMD Phase 1/2 FUNCTION-DMD trial is expected to receive IND clearance in Q1 2026, aiming to provide durable functional muscle improvement for 60% of DMD patients, with initial data anticipated by the end of 2026.
- Collaborative Project Advancements: The ECUR-506 project with iECURE has reached key alignment with the FDA, supporting its potential as a curative treatment for neonatal OTC deficiency, with clinical trial data expected to be released in the first half of 2026, further enhancing Precision's market position.








