U.K. biotech Ikarovec partnered with gene‑delivery specialist VectorBuilder to evaluate AAV capsids engineered to enable intravitreal delivery of an ocular gene therapy for intermediate age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) that could be administered in a doctor’s office. The preclinical collaboration aims to create IKAR‑003 versions compatible with minimally invasive intravitreal injection rather than operating‑room subretinal delivery; the companies said non‑human primate data show broad macular transduction with VectorBuilder’s DeepCap‑designed capsids. The arrangement is early stage and could be worth more than $1 billion if development milestones are met.