Precision BioSciences, a clinical-stage gene editing company, has sealed a strategic deal with Imugene Limited, granting global rights to Azercabtagene Zapreleucel (azer-cel), their leading allogeneic CAR T candidate for cancer. Imugene is set to take over the clinical execution for azer-cel, targeting large B-cell lymphoma patients who have relapsed post-autologous CAR T treatment. This agreement also encompasses an option for up to three other future cancer research programs.
Key Highlights
- Precision BioSciences and Imugene Limited collaborate on azer-cel, an allogeneic CAR T candidate for cancer.
- Imugene will spearhead the clinical execution for azer-cel in the large B-cell lymphoma domain.
- The partnership includes an option to develop up to three other cancer research programs.
Source: Business Wire
Notable Quotes
“We are excited to reach this key inflection point for Precision BioSciences with the achievement of three milestones – first, the completion of a global deal with Imugene for azer-cel in cancer; second, the extension of our expected cash operating runway to greater than two years; and third, our pivot to focus exclusively on in vivo gene editing,” – Michael Amoroso, Chief Executive Officer at Precision BioSciences.
“After an extensive review of the allogeneic CAR T landscape, we are excited to progress what we believe is the most advanced allogeneic CAR T program – azer-cel, which has regulatory feedback and a broad data set. This is an important opportunity to develop a much-needed treatment for the growing number of lymphoma patients who have relapsed following CAR T treatment and is complementary to our pipeline, which is designed to unleash the immune system to fight cancer, including our OnCARlytics program,” – Leslie Chong, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Imugene Limited.
SoH's Take
- This strategic collaboration between Precision BioSciences and Imugene Limited underscores the potential of azer-cel in the cancer treatment landscape, particularly for large B-cell lymphoma patients. The partnership could pave the way for innovative treatments and expand the therapeutic options available to patients.
- The deal also highlights the growing interest and investment in allogeneic CAR T therapies. With Imugene taking the helm of the clinical execution, it’s evident that both companies see significant potential in azer-cel’s clinical data and regulatory feedback. The inclusion of options for future cancer research programs further emphasizes the long-term vision and commitment of both entities to advancing cancer treatment.
