On June 2, 2016 Kite Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: KITE) ("Kite") and Cell Design Labs, Inc. reported a research collaboration and license agreement to develop next generation, precision-controlled chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) product candidates that incorporate Cell Design Labs’ molecular "on/off switch" technology (Press release, Kite Pharma, JUN 2, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512956]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! The use of CARs to redirect T-cells against B-cell malignancies has shown promise as a powerful tool to eradicate cancers. The switch technology employs small molecule-mediated protein dimerization domains to functionally activate the CAR and, similarly, to turn "off" the CAR in the absence of the small molecule. By incorporating "on/off switches" into next generation CAR products, physicians will have the potential to rapidly control and reversibly titrate the activity of CAR T-cells.
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Under the agreement, Cell Design Labs will develop "on/off switches" for Kite’s CAR T-cell pipeline. Kite will receive exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize CAR T-cell therapies containing Cell Design Labs’ "on/off switches" directed to certain targets for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Kite also has the exclusive option to develop and commercialize CAR T-cell products containing "on/off switches" directed to certain targets for the treatment of B-cell malignancies.
"Cell Design Labs was established to deploy exciting advances in synthetic biology to build and control cell signaling networks through our "on/off switch" technology," said Brian Atwood, Co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Cell Design Labs. "Our platform takes advantage of the modular design of CARs that we believe will create a next generation of CARs whose activation can be titrated or switched on and off by using small molecules that are clinically available. We look forward to working with Kite, a company whose deep understanding of CAR T-cell biology and manufacturing has already generated advanced clinical programs for cancer patients."
"Kite remains highly focused on accessing important technologies that could augment the activity and/or improve the safety of our engineered T-cell therapy candidates," said Arie Belldegrun, M.D., FACS, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Kite. "Cell Design Labs has developed an elegant approach to designing CARs. Our collaboration with Cell Design Labs exemplifies Kite’s commitment to bringing the next generation CAR T-cell immunotherapies to patients."
Under the terms of the agreement, Kite will pay Cell Design Labs an upfront payment and additional payments to support Cell Design Labs’ research. Cell Design Labs will be eligible to receive milestone payments based upon the successful achievement of pre-specified research, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on product sales. Kite has increased its equity investment in Cell Design Labs as part of Cell Design Labs’ recent private financings. Arie Belldegrun will join the Board of Directors of Cell Design Labs and David Chang, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Research & Development, and Chief Medical Officer of Kite, will join as a Board Observer.