Kite Pharma, Cell Design Labs collaborate on new CAR T-Cell immunotherapies

The companies will develop next generation, precision-controlled chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) product candidates that feature Cell Design Labs’ molecular on/off switch technology.

Under the deal, Cell Design Labs will develop on/off switches for Kite’s CAR T-cell pipeline.

Kite will secure exclusive global rights for the development and commercialization of CAR T-cell therapies.

The therapies will feature Cell Design Labs’ on/off switches directed to various targets to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Kite also has the exclusive option to develop and commercialize CAR T-cell products featuring on/off switches directed to several targets for B-cell malignancies treatment.

Cell Design Labs will receive an upfront payment and additional payments from Kite to support its research.

Kite will also make milestone payments depending on the successful achievement of pre-specified research, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on product sales.

Cell Design Labs co-founder, president, and CEO Brian Atwood said: "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."