On September 14, 2015 Kite Pharma, Inc. (Kite) (Nasdaq:KITE) reported that it has expanded its collaboration with the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) (Press release, Kite Pharma, SEP 14, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507467]). Kite and the NKI have entered into an agreement under which Kite will receive from the NKI the exclusive option to license multiple T cell receptor (TCR) gene sequences for the development and commercialization of cancer immunotherapy candidates targeting solid tumors (Press release, Kite Pharma, SEP 14, 2015, View Source. Kite has also expanded its access to additional resources and research facilities through a master services agreement with the NKI.

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"We are excited with the progress of the TCR research programs with Kite and look forward to further advancements of the programs and our collaboration," said Professor René Medema, Director of NKI. "NKI believes that TCR technologies hold great potential for cancer care, and we are committed to making these new therapies a reality for patients."

Kite Pharma EU, based in Amsterdam, will be conducting preclinical research related to candidates under the agreement with NKI. Kite Pharma EU is comprised of a leading team of immuno-oncology researchers and collaborators, including Professor Dr. Ton N. M. Schumacher, who serves as Chief Scientific Officer of Kite Pharma EU. Professor Dr. Schumacher, a pioneer in T cell biology and gene therapy, is a developer of Kite’s proprietary TCR-GENErator discovery platform, an industry-leading R&D engine for rapid, high-throughput identification of TCR-based product candidates.

"With Kite Pharma EU, we have established a central hub of cancer immunotherapy efforts in Europe, attracting leading scientific experts, researchers and collaborators in this field," said Arie Belldegrun, M.D., FACS, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kite. "Kite’s relationship with the NKI, an internationally renowned cancer research and clinical institution, provides an important operational platform, as we advance TCR-based immuno-oncology product candidates."