Intrexon Corporation XON announced that it has entered into exclusive channel collaborations (ECC) with two startups – Relieve Genetics, Inc. and Exotech Bio, Inc. – backed by Harvest Intrexon Enterprise Fund and sponsored by Harvest Capital Strategies. Intrexon’s shares gained 8.2% on the news. Both these startups will utilize proprietary technologies of Intrexon and develop new therapeutic modalities targeting unmet medical needs. While Relieve Genetics will focus on a breakthrough, non-opioid gene therapy approach for neuropathic pain, Exotech Bio will utilize a novel exosome-based platform for delivering therapeutic RNA to treat select cancer indications. Per the terms of ECC agreements for both collaborations, Intrexon will receive a technology access fee in the form of equity equaling 25% of each startup, reimbursement for all research and development costs, as well as milestone payments and backend economics in the form of royalties. We note that Intrexon follows a business model under which it commercializes its technologies through ECCs. Earlier this year, the company expanded its existing partnership with Fibrocell Science, Inc., FCSC by means of a new ECC for the development of genetically modified fibroblasts to treat chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the joint, including arthritis and related conditions. We are positive on these deals. Such deals provide the company with funds in the form of technology access fees, milestones and other payments. Intrexon is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. A couple of better-ranked stocks in the health care sector are AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AMAG and Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. EBS, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AMAG PHARMA INC (AMAG): Free Stock Analysis Report FIBROCELL SCIEN (FCSC): Free Stock Analysis Report EMERGENT BIOSOL (EBS): Free Stock Analysis Report INTREXON CORP (XON): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research