UT MD Anderson signs potentially lucrative deal with GlaxoSmithKline

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s leading cancer research and treatment centers, has signed a research collaboration and license agreement to develop new therapeutic antibodies that promote an immune system attack against cancer with UK pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK).

The overall potential value of the deal to MD Anderson over the life of the agreement is estimated at more than $335 million. Under the terms of the accord, MD Anderson will receive an undisclosed upfront license payment and funding for its new Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS) research collaboration activities, as well as payments for reaching development, regulatory and commercial milestones. In addition, the Center will also be entitled to royalties deriving from the commercial sales of products developed under the collaboration.

Focus on antibodies that activate OX40 on T cells surface