GSK is collaborating with German biopharma Immatics Biotechnologies to develop novel adoptive cell therapies (ACT) for multiple cancers.

The companies will work together to identify, research and develop next-generation T-Cell Receptor (TCR) therapeutics with a focus on solid tumors. The initial focus will be on developing autologous T-cell therapies with the option to add allogeneic cell therapies using Immatics’ ACTallo approach.

Furthermore, GSK and Immatics intend to utilize proprietary TCRs that have been identified by the German firm’s Xceptor TCR discovery platform and directed against two proprietary targets. These targets have been discovered and validated by Immatics’ Xpresident technology.

Harpreet Singh, CEO of Immatics, commented: “By combining Immatics’ world-leading target and TCR discovery platforms with GSK’s advanced manufacturing, development capabilities and a commitment to next-generation TCR-T technologies, both companies are joining forces to enable the development of effective novel therapies for cancer patients with high unmet medical need.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Immatics will receive an upfront payment of $45 million for two initial programs and is eligible to receive over $550 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments for each product as well as additional royalty payments.

Immatics will have primary responsibility for developing and validating the TCR therapies up to designating a clinical candidate. GSK will assume sole responsibility for further worldwide development, manufacturing and commercialization of the therapies.