BioNTech and Lilly enter into cancer immunotherapy research collaboration

Lilly and BioNTech have entered into a research collaboration to discover novel cancer immunotherapies.

 The companies will seek to use the power of the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells and create possible new treatment options for cancer patients.

Leveraging the scientific expertise between the two organizations, Lilly and BioNTech will collaborate to identify and validate novel tumour targets and their corresponding T cell receptors (TCRs) in one or more types of cancer. These tumour targets and TCRs may then be engineered and developed into potent and selective cancer therapies.

BioNTech could receive over $300 million for each potential medicine  

Under the terms of the agreement, BioNTech will receive a $30 million signing fee. For each potential medicine, BioNTech could receive over $300 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestones. If successfully commercialised, BioNTech would also be eligible for tiered royalty payments up to double-digits. In addition, subject to the terms of the agreement, Lilly will make a $30 million equity investment in BioNTech’s subsidiary, Cell & Gene Therapies, which specialises in the research and development of TCR and chimeric antigen receptor immunotherapeutics.

“In the past few years, we’ve seen some amazing breakthroughs in immuno-oncology; however, we believe these are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Greg Plowman, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of Lilly Oncology Research. “Lilly’s partnership with BioNTech represents the next wave of cancer immunotherapy and is focused on the identification of functional T cell receptors that can be used to redirect a patient’s natural immune system to fight cancer.”

Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech, said, “We are very pleased to collaborate with a leading oncology company such as Lilly. Lilly’s expertise and track record make it an ideal collaborator for both companies to leverage the full power of BioNTech’s functional T cell receptor technologies to develop novel cancer therapies that harness the immune system.” He further added, “This alliance is in line with our strategy to collaborate with companies that have a similar fascination, drive and commitment in developing and commercializing truly innovative and disruptive immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer.”