Lilly, BioNTech Enter Immunotherapies R&D Pact

Eli Lilly and Co. and BioNTech AG have entered a research collaboration to discover novel cancer immunotherapies. The companies will collaborate to identify and validate 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.

BioNTech will receive a $30 million signing fee and for each potential drug, and is eligible for more than $300 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalty payments. Additionally, Lilly will make a $30 million equity investment in BioNTech’s subsidiary, Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, which specializes in TCR and chimeric antigen receptor immunotherapeutics. Further financial terms were not disclosed.

“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, chief executive officer 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.”