BRIEF—Apeiron gains rights to I-O tech targeting 'master checkpoint'

Viennese immuno-oncology firm Apeiron Biologics has agreed a deal with the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Medical University of Vienna, gaining exclusive worldwide rights to a novel technology targeting casitas B cell lymphoma-b (Cbl-b).

Cbl-b is an intracellular checkpoint limiting the immune reactivity in various immune cells. Inhibiting Cbl-b activates immune cells and could deactivate other relevant checkpoints.

IMBA and MedUni Vienna will receive an upfront payment and will be eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercialization milestone payments and royalties. Further financial terms were not disclosed.