BRIEF—Autolus rises on Moderna license option

UK-headquartered cancer immunotherapy company Autolus Therapeutics saw its shares leap 16% yesterday, after announcing that Moderna has exercised its option to license Autolus’ proprietary binders against an undisclosed immuno-oncology target for the development and commercialization of mRNA therapeutics.

This follows an original agreement with Moderna announced on August 2, 2021, granting Moderna an exclusive option to license Autolus’ proprietary binders for up to four immuno-oncology targets for incorporation in certain mRNA therapeutics.

On exercise of the option, Autolus has received an option exercise payment and is eligible to receive development and commercial milestone payments for each product successfully commercialized.

In addition, Autolus would be entitled to receive royalties on net sales of all products commercialized under the agreement.