On January 11, 2022 Allogene Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of allogeneic CAR T (AlloCAR T) products for cancer and Antion Biosciences, a Swiss cell and gene engineering company, reported that they have entered into an exclusive collaboration and global license agreement for Antion’s miRNA technology (miCAR) to advance multiplex gene silencing as an additional tool to develop next generation allogeneic CAR T products (Press release, Antion Biosciences, JAN 11, 2022, View Source [SID1234629137]).

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Antion is an early-stage research company with foundational miRNA technology. In preclinical studies, Antion has demonstrated proof-of-concept for multiplex gene silencing in an allogeneic CAR T cell model. These studies demonstrated the ability of miCARTM technology to silence multiple gene targets in a single step and indicate this technology has broad application within cell and gene engineering. Allogene plans to deploy miCARTM with other technologies to develop next-generation strategies for immune evasion and other advances in allogeneic CAR T therapy.

"We believe that Antion has one of the few technology options capable of delivering multiplex gene silencing with a high degree of specificity and potency," said Rafael Amado, M.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer. "We are excited to be working with Antion to explore how their miCAR technology may advance and accelerate Allogene’s research efforts aimed at creating best in class allogeneic cell therapies."

As part of this agreement, Antion will exclusively collaborate with Allogene on oncology products for a defined period. Allogene will also have exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize products incorporating Antion technology developed during the collaboration. Allogene will provide Antion an upfront cash payment and a preferred equity investment. Allogene will pay Antion developmental and commercial milestones and a single-digit royalty on any product sales. Allogene will also take a seat on Antion’s Board of Directors.

"This collaboration represents an exciting validation of the power and flexibility of our miCAR platform." said Sven Kili, M.D., Chief Executive Officer. "We are extremely enthusiastic to be working with Allogene, as the world leader in Allogeneic CAR T therapies to bring next-generation life changing therapies to patients"