By using its T-cell receptor (TCR) engineering technology, Adaptimmune has created TCRs which are deployed to target the cancer testis antigen, NY-ESO-1, and other targets.
The company’s trials in the NY-ESO-1 program in multiple myeloma, melanoma, sarcoma and ovarian cancer in the US are generating encouraging results, with European trials set to start shortly, and it has a pipeline of follow-on programs.
Under the deal, the firms will jointly develop the NY-ESO-1 clinical program and associated manufacturing optimisation work.
GSK will also have an option on the NY-ESO-1 program through clinical proof-of-concept, expected during 2016 and when exercised, it will assume full responsibility for the program.
Additionally, the firms will also jointly develop other TCR target programs as well as collaborate on further optimization of engineered TCR products.
The deal will see GSK pay as much as $350m to Adaptimmune over the next seven years if certain milestones are reached.
Adaptimmune is also eligible to get further payments in subsequent years if GSK exercises all its options and milestones continue to be met as well as receive tiered royalties on all products that reach the market.
Adaptimmune chief executive officer James Noble said the company is happy to collaborate with GSK which has made a strategic commitment to immune-oncology.
"Its substantial development and manufacturing expertise in key areas will be invaluable as we work together to accelerate the development of our programmes and bring potentially breakthrough cancer therapies to patients," Noble said.
GSK vice president of Oncology R&D and head of Immuno-Oncology Axel Hoos said, "We believe that Adaptimmune’s T-cell receptor engineering technology will be synergistic with the growing immuno-oncology portfolio of GSK and leverage our existing expertise in autologous cell gene therapy."
Image: Adaptimmune laboratory – Scientists growing research cells. Photo: courtesy of Adaptimmune Limited.