TScan, Novartis to develop T cell receptor therapies for solid tumors

TScan Therapeutics has partnered with Swiss pharma giant Novartis to discover and develop novel TCR-engineered T cell receptor therapies for the treatment of solid tumors using the former’s TScan Discovery Platform.

The TScan platform will be used for discovering novel cancer antigens that can be targeted by TCR-based therapies.

TScan Therapeutics will be engaged in identifying and characterizing TCRs. On the other hand, Novartis will hold an option to license and develop the TCRs for up to three novel targets as part of the deal.

The Swiss pharma giant will also be entitled to taking up first negotiation for more targets and TCRs resulting from the partnership. TScan Therapeutics can develop TCRs against targets, which are not licensed by Novartis.

David P. Southwell –  TScan Therapeutics President and CEO said: “As one of the only companies able to efficiently discover novel cancer antigens that can be targeted with TCR-based therapies, we are delighted to be collaborating with Novartis to develop important TCR treatments.

“We see expansive potential for our platform and this collaboration gives us the opportunity to work with Novartis to develop novel TCR therapies, while at the same time preserving our ability to develop our own proprietary pipeline in both liquid and solid tumours.”

TScan, Novartis to develop T cell receptor therapies for the treatment of solid tumors. Photo courtesy of Novartis AG.

As per the agreement, Novartis will pay an upfront technology access fee and research funding of $30 million to TScan Therapeutics, which will also be entitled for clinical, regulatory and sales milestone payments and royalties on net sales for each product.

Gavin MacBeath – Chief Scientific Officer of TScan Therapeutics said: “Novartis is a proven leader in the area of T cell therapy, and this collaboration helps us move rapidly and effectively toward our goal of delivering life-changing therapies to patients.”