A groundbreaking partnership between gene therapy company MeiraGTx and artificial intelligence firm Hologen was announced on March 13, 2025, forming a new venture focused on developing innovative treatments for neurological conditions through AI-enhanced research.
The newly established company, Hologen Neuro AI, represents a pioneering fusion of gene therapy expertise and artificial
intelligence capabilities. This joint venture will concentrate on advancing treatments for both Parkinson’s disease and obesity by leveraging MeiraGTx’s therapeutic programs alongside Hologen’s sophisticated AI technology.
Under the terms of the agreement, MeiraGTx will contribute its advanced-stage Parkinson’s disease gene therapy program, which has already completed mid-stage clinical trials, along with early-stage research initiatives targeting obesity through brain-based appetite control mechanisms. Hologen brings its cutting-edge generative AI models to the partnership, alongside a substantial financial commitment of $230 million to support the development of these therapeutic candidates.
The financial structure of the deal provides MeiraGTx with an immediate $200 million cash payment and a 30% ownership stake in the joint venture. The arrangement also positions MeiraGTx as the exclusive manufacturer and supplier for both clinical trials and potential commercial production. Additionally, Hologen will acquire a minority position in MeiraGTx’s manufacturing division, contributing ongoing funding and applying its AI capabilities to enhance production processes.
Notable figures behind Hologen include former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and QuantHouse co-founder Pierre-François Filet, though the company has maintained a relatively low public profile. The partnership aims to create the first enterprise combining artificial intelligence and neuroscience in this unique way.
Alexandria Forbes, CEO and co-founder of MeiraGTx, described the collaboration as “transformative” for her company’s financial outlook. The substantial upfront payment significantly extends the company’s operational runway, which is particularly significant given its $164 million operating loss in 2024 and cash reserves of $106 million at year’s end. The deal will also accelerate the development of MeiraGTx’s dry mouth treatment program and advance its protein production control technology.
Early applications of Hologen’s AI technology to existing clinical data from the Parkinson’s program have already yielded promising results, reportedly reducing risk factors and identifying positive changes in brain function responses to the therapy. The partnership’s immediate priority is to optimize the design and execution of the upcoming Phase 3 trial for the Parkinson’s treatment.
The market responded positively to the announcement, with MeiraGTx’s stock price rising approximately 25% to $8 per share during morning trading. This increase contributed to a roughly 100% gain in the company’s share value over the previous six-month period.
The agreement stipulates that Hologen Neuro AI will focus on developing treatments targeting central nervous system circuitry, combining MeiraGTx’s established gene therapy expertise with Hologen’s data-driven approach to understanding disease biology and treatment development. The partners anticipate finalizing the deal between April and June of this year.
This strategic alliance represents a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence with traditional gene therapy development, potentially establishing a new paradigm for drug discovery and development in the neuroscience field. The combination of MeiraGTx’s clinical experience and Hologen’s AI capabilities could accelerate the advancement of these promising therapeutic candidates through the development pipeline.