Eli Lilly and Company and BioNTech AG , an immunotherapy company based in Mainz, Germany, have entered into a research collaboration to discover novel cancer immunotherapies. Lilly and BioNTech will collaborate to identify and validate novel tumor targets and their corresponding T cell receptors (TCRs) in one or more types of cancer. These tumor targets and TCRs may then be engineered and developed into potent and selective cancer therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, BioNTech will receive a $30 millionsigning fee. For each potential medicine, BioNTech could receive over $300 million in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. If successfully commercialized, 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 millionequity investment in BioNTech’s subsidiary, Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, which specializes in the research and development of TCR and chimeric antigen receptor immunotherapeutics. Further financial terms were not disclosed.

Lilly’s oncology pipeline that includes both small molecules and monoclonal antibodies, which are being studied to treat a wide range of cancers including breast, colorectal, liver and non-small cell lung. BioNTech AG (Biopharmaceutical New Technologies) is an immunotherapy company that researches, develops, and manufactures personalized, highly potent and well-tolerated immunotherapies for cancer and other diseases. Its focus is on pioneering disruptive technologies ranging from individualized mRNA based medicines through chimeric antigen receptors /T-cell receptor-based products and antibody checkpoint immunomodulators. Its clinical programs are supported by an internal molecular diagnostics-based unit that is preparing to launch its first in-vitro diagnostic for breast cancer. Founded in late 2008, BioNTech is privately held, with Strüngmann Family Office as a majority shareholder.

Source: Eli Lilly and Company