On October 14, 2026 Lakefront Biotherapeutics NV (Euronext & NASDAQ: LKFT) reported that it has completed the sale of its early-stage cell therapy pipeline to Armed Cell Therapeutics BV, a Belgium-based biotechnology company developing next-generation armed CAR-T therapies for cancer and formed by experienced executives Paul Stoffels, John Mellors and Peter Verhaeghe. The preclinical program is based on technology originated from, and research undertaken by AboundBio, which was acquired by Lakefront NV (previously Galapagos NV) in 2022. The terms of the agreement include an upfront payment of €8 million and the potential for up to $230 million in milestone payments and a low-single-digit royalty to Lakefront.
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
The transferred preclinical assets comprise multi-targeting and armed CAR-T constructs designed to improve the potency and persistence of CAR-Ts and prevent cancer treatment resistance in hematological and solid tumors of high unmet need. Armed Cell Therapeutics will independently advance these programs.
"I’m pleased we were able to complete this sale of the early-stage cell therapy programs as it provides a path to continue to advance these assets on behalf of patients. Additionally, it offers Lakefront shareholders the opportunity to benefit from their potential future progress by the experienced team at Armed Cell Therapeutics," said Sooin Kwon, Chief Business Officer of Lakefront. "Lakefront continues to be in an enviable position with a rich legacy of innovation, an exciting newly established pipeline of T-cell engagers and a strong cash balance."
Lakefront previously announced its intention to wind down its cell therapy activities following a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives. This process is substantially complete.
(Press release, Lakefront Biotherapeutics, OCT 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234673472])