Novartis links with Aduro Biotech and launches new immuno-oncology research group

30 March 2015

Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX) has entered into a major multiyear alliance with privately-held US cancer immunotherapy developer Aduro Biotech that is focused on the discovery and development of next generation cancer immunotherapies targeting the STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) pathway and has launched a new immuno-oncology research group led by renowned cancer vaccine expert Glenn Dranoff.

The addition of STING agonists adds firepower to Novartis' diverse portfolio of immunotherapies that includes chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) technology and novel checkpoint inhibitors. Currently the CART program, CTL019, is in phase 2 clinical trials and checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD1, LAG3, and TIM3 are expected to enter the clinic in mid-2015.

Terms include $200 million upfront

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