June 17 (Reuters) – Jazz Pharmaceuticals has signed a research collaboration and licensing agreement with Canada’s AbCellera to develop T-cell engaging multispecific antibodies for cancer, the companies said on Wednesday.
AbCellera will receive $56 million upfront for two initial programs expected to begin within 12 months, with an additional $28 million tied to the start of a third program. It is also eligible for up to $792 million per program in option fees and milestone payments if Jazz opts to advance candidates, along with tiered royalties on future sales.
Here are some details:
• The partnership will focus on therapies targeting gastrointestinal cancers and other solid tumors, a move Jazz said aligns with its strategy to expand its oncology portfolio alongside its rare disease business.
• AbCellera will lead early-stage discovery work using its antibody development platform, while Jazz will have exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize any resulting therapies once it exercises its options.
• The companies may also expand the collaboration to include up to two additional programs.
• AbCellera could further support later-stage development, including investigational new drug-enabling studies and manufacturing clinical supply.
• T-cell engaging antibodies are designed to harness the immune system by directing T-cells to attack cancer cells, an approach increasingly explored for hard-to-treat tumors.
(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
