Sangamo Therapeutics Initiated Auction for ST-503 Program
The company has put its clinical-stage neuropathic pain treatment up for auction following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Biotech
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Sangamo Therapeutics has opened an auction process for its ST-503 program, an investigational epigenetic regulator for neuropathic pain. The sale, which follows the company's recent completion of $163.55 million in asset sales to PTC Therapeutics and Eli Lilly, is expected to conclude in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Why it matters
The sale of these clinical assets represents a significant restructuring under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, as Sangamo seeks to divest its gene regulation pipeline. These programs, which utilize adeno-associated virus vectors to target specific genes, now move toward potential acquisition by other entities.
The ST-503 program, which has reached a Phase 1/2 trial stage across 7 activated sites, currently uses an adeno-associated virus vector to reduce SCN9A gene expression.
The players
Sangamo Therapeutics
A Richmond-based developer of genomic medicine focused on zinc finger nuclease technology and gene regulation.
PTC Therapeutics
A global biopharmaceutical company that recently acquired the ST-920 gene therapy program.
Eli Lilly
A major pharmaceutical firm that acquired capsid delivery platforms and the ST-506 program.
The details
ST-503 is an epigenetic regulator designed to address neuropathic pain by modulating the expression of the SCN9A gene, which is implicated in pain signaling. The program uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector—a modified, harmless virus used as a delivery vehicle—to transport the therapy. The ongoing auction is being conducted under court-supervised procedures as part of the company's broader Chapter 11 reorganization.
Timeline
August 2026: Sangamo completed initial asset sales to PTC Therapeutics and Eli Lilly.
October 13, 2026: The company announced the new auction timeline for its ST-503 program.
Q4 2026: The auction process for ST-503 is expected to reach completion.
The Tech Race
The asset sale is governed by the court-mandated procedures of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This process enables the transfer of specialized epigenetic regulatory platforms that were previously being advanced in a competitive landscape against other gene therapy clinical programs.
While the clinical-stage ST-503 program is currently part of a court-supervised auction, patients with peripheral neuropathies will see no immediate changes to treatment availability. Interested commercial parties must contact the company directly via email to participate in the formal bidding process.
The takeaway
The divestment of the ST-503 program marks a significant transition as the company liquidates key pipeline assets to settle outstanding financial obligations. Investors and industry participants should monitor the Q4 2026 auction results for confirmation of the program's new ownership.
What happens next
The auction process for the ST-503 program is expected to finalize during the fourth quarter of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and industry developments in our Biotech section.
More information
View the Chapter 11 reorganization and asset sales info on the official portal.
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