News briefing: Merck buys into A2's T cell therapy platform; Small Soligenix reports PhIII fail in head and neck cancer
Merck is dipping its toes into a cell therapy partnership with A2 Biotherapeutics, with an offer to co-fund clinical development and allogeneic manufacturing activities through Phase I.
In particular, the pharma giant has its eyes on an undisclosed candidate utilizing A2’s Tmod platform, which combines activation and blocking mechanisms in order to kill tumor cells while sparing healthy ones.
The deal features an upfront, an equity investment and reimbursement of certain expenses. Merck is also promising opt-in and milestone payments plus royalties, while keeping the door open for collaboration on a separate program.
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