TCR-based product candidates are designed to recognize antigens irrespective of their cellular localization and as presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the tumor cell.
The NY-ESO-1 antigen may be expressed in several tumor types, including sarcoma, bladder cancer, esophageal carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, breast carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, multiple myeloma, hepatocellular carcinoma and melanoma, among other tumor types.
Currently, National Cancer Institute (NCI) is carrying out a Phase II clinical trial of a murine TCR product candidate targeting the NY-ESO -1 antigen at the NIH pursuant to a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Kite and the NCI.
The company is investigating murine (mouse)-derived TCR technology platforms developed by the NCI Surgery Branch for the treatment of solid tumors under the CRADA.
Preclinical evaluation in the Surgery Branch of murine TCRs targeting the NY-ESO-1 antigen identified a murine TCR with comparable or improved activity relative to the equivalent human-based NY-ESO-1 TCR.
Under the deal, Kite will make certain clinical, regulatory and sales milestone payments to the NIH as well as pay the royalties to NIH on net sales of products covered by the license.