Genmab A/S announced that it has entered into a research collaboration and exclusive license agreement with privately owned Immatics Biotechnologies GmbH (Immatics), to discover and develop next-generation bispecific immunotherapies to target multiple cancer indications. The deal strengthens Genmab’s position in immuno-oncology by combining Genmab’s proprietary technologies and antibody know-how with Immatics’ XPRESIDENT targets and T-cell receptor (TCR) capabilities. Genmab will receive an exclusive license to three proprietary targets from Immatics, with an option to license up to two additional targets at predetermined economics. The companies will conduct joint research, funded by Genmab, on multiple antibody and/or TCR-based bispecific therapeutic product concepts.
Genmab may elect to progress any resulting product candidates, and will be responsible for development, manufacturing and worldwide commercialization. For any products that are commercialized by Genmab, Immatics will have an option to limited co-promotion efforts in selected countries in the EU.
“This collaboration with Immatics gives us the opportunity to combine our unique technologies and expertise to create differentiated novel next-generation therapies. We very much look forward to this exciting partnership in the field of cancer immunotherapy,” said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.
Carsten Reinhardt, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer and Managing Director of Immatics, commented: “We are very pleased to join forces with one of the world-leading biotechnology companies to develop and advance novel and highly active cancer therapeutics. This collaboration underpins Immatics’ leadership in intracellular tumor target identification and T-cell receptor engineering.” Dr. Reinhardt further said: “Our bispecific TCR technology exhibits exceptional potency and favourable pharmacokinetic properties by combining Immatics’ proprietary T-cell engaging format with our high-affinity and highly specific T-cell receptors as reported at AACR 20181.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Genmab will pay Immatics an upfront fee of USD 54 million and Immatics is eligible to receive up to USD 550 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments for each product, as well as tiered royalties on net sales.