Targovax grants Zelluna an FTO license to Targovax patents
and know-how to further enable development of Zelluna's mutant RAS
T-cell receptor therapies
Targovax and Zelluna intend to collaborate on additional
discovery and development of novel mutant RAS T cell
receptors
OSLO, Norway, March 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Targovax ASA
(OSE: TRVX), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing
immune activators to target hard-to-treat solid tumors, today
announces that it has granted a freedom-to-operate (FTO) license to
Zelluna Immunotherapy for the development of mutant RAS T cell
receptor (mutRAS TCRs) therapies.
Through the development of the TG neoantigen vaccine program,
Targovax has established a significant patent portfolio and
know-how in therapies targeting mutant RAS cancers. In addition to
covering the TG vaccine program, these patents and know-how are
also highly relevant in T cell therapy.
Zelluna Immunotherapy has built a portfolio of validated mutRAS
TCRs isolated from long-term cancer survivors treated with first
generation TG mutRAS vaccines. Targovax has agreed to out-license
Targovax patents and know-how to Zelluna to enable the development
of Zelluna's mutRAS TCRs and create a stronger joint position in
the mutRAS TCR field. In addition, the companies have signed a
letter of intent to establish an R&D collaboration for the
discovery and development of additional novel mutRAS TCR
products.
Under the license agreement, Zelluna has been granted a global,
non-exclusive license to relevant Targovax patents and know-how,
for which Targovax will be compensated financially. The potential
deal value amounts to NOK 100 million
in milestones and annual fees, in addition to royalties on sales
and sub-licensing revenues. Zelluna will retain full rights to, and
freedom to operate (FTO) for, its portfolio of mutRAS TCRs and will
be responsible for the development of these.
Øystein Soug, CEO of Targovax, said: "Our unique TG technology
has already demonstrated a clinical benefit by generating immune
responses to RAS driver mutations, and we remain committed to
developing mutRAS vaccines in the currently underserved mutant RAS
cancer indications. Additionally, we are confident that our
proprietary technology and know-how has potential application in
the parallel field of T cell therapy; itself a rapidly evolving
novel class of immunotherapies. The intention of joining forces
with Zelluna, will be strengthening the ability to develop a
portfolio of mutRAS TCR products to be applied in T cell therapy,
which will complement our TG vaccine development and further
solidify Targovax's strong position as the leader in mutRAS
targeted immunotherapy".
For further information, please contact:
Renate Birkeli
Investor Relations
Phone: +47-922-61-624
Email: renate.birkeli@targovax.com
Media and IR enquires:
Andreas Tinglum
Corporate Communications
Phone: +47-9300-1773
Email: andreas.tinglum@corpcom.no
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