GenStar, Vascular Genetics to Merge

GenStar Therapeutics Corp. and closely held Vascular Genetics Inc. agreed to merge, becoming a biotechnology company focused on gene therapy.

Shareholders of each San Diego firm will own 50% of the new company, to be named Autus Genetics Corp.

Autus plans to focus on developing a gene therapy treatment for heart disease developed by Human Genome Sciences Inc. Human Genome, which owns a 27% stake in Vascular Genetics, will own 15% of the new company. Baxter International Inc., an investor in GenStar, will hold about 15% of Autus.

GenStar shares rose 14 cents to 73 cents on the American Stock Exchange.