Lion Biotechnologies gets exclusive license from NIH for TIL in more indications

US biotech firm Lion Biotechnologies (Nasdaq: LBIO) has obtained an exclusive, worldwide license from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop and commercialize TIL therapy in four additional tumor indications.

Under the agreement, the NIH has granted Lion exclusive rights to certain patents to develop tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) in the treatment of bladder, lung, breast and HPV-associated cancers, including cervical and head and neck. Lion’s shares rose 5.15% to $5.92 in early trading following the announcement, having risen as much as 12% pre-market.

The agreement was executed as an amendment to Lion's existing exclusive licensing agreement with the NIH for the development and commercialization of TIL in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. As consideration for the license, Lion will make an upfront payment to the NIH, payable half within 60 days of closing and the balance a year later. Additional milestone payments, which will vary according to indication, will be based on completion of specific clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones. The agreement also calls for royalties to be payable to the NIH based on revenues, and certain additional payments under different sublicense scenarios.