TScan Therapeutics, Novartis Collaborate on T-Cell Receptor Therapies

Biopharmaceutical company, TScan Therapeutics, has entered into a collaboration agreement with Novartis that is aimed at the discovery and development of novel T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies for solid tumors. The agreement was announced in an April 15, 2020 press release.

Under the terms of the agreement, TScan will identify and characterize TCRs using its proprietary platform, which Novartis will then have the option of licensing and developing for up to three novel targets. An upfront technology access fee and research finding worth $30 million will be paid upfront and there is the potential of further milestone payments dependent on clinical, regulatory, and sales success.

“As one of the only companies able to efficiently discover novel cancer antigens that can be targeted with TCR-based therapies, we are delighted to be collaborating with Novartis to develop important TCR treatments,” said David P. Southwell, president and CEO, TScan, in the press release. “We see expansive potential for our platform and this collaboration gives us the opportunity to work with Novartis to develop novel TCR therapies, while at the same time preserving our ability to develop our own proprietary pipeline in both liquid and solid tumors.”

“Novartis is a proven leader in the area of T-cell therapy, and this collaboration helps us move rapidly and effectively toward our goal of delivering life-changing therapies to patients,” added Gavin MacBeath, chief scientific officer, TScan, in the press release.

Source: TScan Therapeutics