On September 15, 2016 Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LBIO), a biotechnology company developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), reported that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with PolyBioCept AB, a corporation organized under the laws of Sweden, and a related clinical trials agreement to sponsor two clinical studies in glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer at the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden (Press release, Lion Biotechnologies, SEP 15, 2016, View Source [SID:SID1234515173]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! Under the terms of the license agreement, Lion gained exclusive worldwide rights to two international patent applications related to a specific combination of cytokines for use in the expansion, selection and enrichment of TIL products for the treatment of multiple cancer indications. Lion also has co-exclusive worldwide rights (with PolyBioCept) to make genetically engineered TIL using the cytokine cocktail for use in multiple cancer indications.
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Under the terms of the clinical trials agreement, Lion will fund two clinical studies in glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer to be conducted at the Karolinska University Hospital in which TIL is manufactured using the licensed combination of cytokines.
"In addition to our ongoing efforts to develop treatments for patients with metastatic melanoma using TIL therapy, we are committed to expanding the use of TIL for patients with other solid tumors. We are excited to be working with PolyBioCept and the Karolinska University Hospital to treat glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer patients with TIL manufactured with a new combination of cytokines developed by researchers at the Karolinska Institute. Our partnership with Karolinska further positions Lion to be a leader in developing cell-based immunotherapies that can treat solid tumor indications," said Maria Fardis, PhD, MBA, Lion Biotechnologies President and Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Markus Maeurer, head of the division Therapeutic Immunology (TIM), Department of Laboratory Medicine and senior physician at the center for allogeneic stem cell transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, and Dr. Ernest Dodoo Deputy Head Division Therapeutic Immunology, director Neuro-Oncology Program and director Gamma Knife Program at the Department of Neurosurgery, Karolinska University Hospital said, "We are pleased to be working with Lion Biotechnologies in advancing the TIL technology through the conduct of two Phase I trials at the Karolinska University Hospital. These trials are aligned with the vision of the Karolinska University Hospital to make a significant contribution to the improvement of human health. We are pleased to offer these immunological therapies for glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer patients in need of individually-tailored care."
Lion will pay PolyBioCept $2.5 million in upfront payments under the exclusive license. Lion will also make additional payments (in cash and in shares of Lion’s common stock) upon achievement of certain clinical, regulatory and sales milestones. The clinical trials agreement calls for a total of $1.7 million to be paid to the Karolinska University Hospital and PolyBioCept to conduct the clinical trials in glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer.