NantKwest Signs Worldwide License Agreement with ProMab Biotechnologies to Exclusively Develop Select Next Generation Targeted Natural Killer Cell Therapeutics

NantKwest and ProMab Biotechnologies announced the establishment of a worldwide license to a B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) targeted antibody sequence for multiple myeloma along with an option for up to five undisclosed targeting sequences for exclusive use in the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based NK cell therapies.

“We are pleased to announce this collaboration with ProMab Biotechnologies, marking another milestone for NantKwest in the development of targeted, next generation, NK cell therapeutics against multiple myeloma and other cancers,” said Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, CEO of NantKwest. “With an estimated five-year survival rate of around 49% and accounting for 10% of all hematological malignancies, patients with multiple myeloma are in critical need for more effective treatment options. We believe, NantKwest’s CAR-based NK cell therapy may represent a much needed new treatment option for these patients. We eagerly anticipate growing our relationship with ProMab and accelerate the development of these new and innovative, next-generation off-the shelf, CAR-based NK cell therapies.”

“ProMab’s strategic focus is on the development of monoclonal antibodies and their application in cell therapy through the integration of next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, high-throughput screening technologies, and novel in vitro in vivo validation tools. This new partnership allows NantKwest to leverage the breadth of our monoclonal antibody generation and validation platform, our human antibody library screening capabilities, together with NantKwest’s strong NK cell engineering, manufacturing, and clinical expertise.” said John Wu, President and CEO of ProMab Biotechnologies. “We look forward to working together with the NantKwest team to more rapidly bring new NK cell therapeutics into the clinic”.