Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced on June 17 a collaboration with AbCellera, committing $56 million in upfront cash and up to $2.46 billion in total payments to develop next-generation T cell engagers for hard-to-treat cancers.
The agreement utilizes AbCellera’s multispecific T cell engager platform, which will be refined to create potential candidates targeting multiple gastrointestinal cancers and other solid tumors where current treatments are limited. Under the terms of the deal, AbCellera will conduct discovery and early-stage research for two initial programs, with plans to initiate a third program within the next year.
For each program, Jazz has an option to obtain exclusive rights by paying a fee. If Jazz exercises this option, AbCellera could receive up to $792 million in milestone payments per program as well as tiered royalties. For work on the first two programs, Canada-based AbCellera will receive $56 million upfront and another $28 million when work on the third program begins. The partners may also add two more programs; however, potential payments for these were not disclosed.
“This research collaboration with AbCellera directly aligns with Jazz’s rare disease strategy, expanding our focus on GI cancers and building on our existing expertise in oncology,” said Josh Allen, Chief Scientific Officer at Jazz Pharmaceuticals. “We look forward to collaborating with AbCellera to progress potential best-in-class TCE multispecific antibodies for GI cancers and other solid tumors into clinical development and to develop meaningful innovation for patients.”
Truist analysts said that this move highlights Jazz’s increasing emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers. They referenced Ziihera—a bispecific HER2-directed antibody from Jazz—which has received priority review from the Food and Drug Administration for possible use as a first-line treatment of HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, with an agency decision expected by August 25.
AbCellera founder and CEO Carl Hansen said in a prepared statement, “Building on years of experience in TCEs, we are pleased to partner with Jazz Pharmaceuticals to leverage AbCellera’s differentiated TCE platform to bring forward novel cancer treatments for GI cancers and other solid tumors.”
