Baxalta and Precision BioSciences announce immuno-oncology collaboration

Baxalta has formed a new cancer research collaboration with Precision BioSciences, a leading genome editing company.

The global collaboration will focus on the development of a broad series of allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies directed towards areas of major unmet need in multiple cancers.

CAR T cell therapy technologies work by isolating cells from cancer patients' blood and re-engineering them to specifically target receptors on tumour cells. Using Precision BioSciences' ARCUS genome editing technology, it is possible to enable production of CAR T cells from healthy donors, rather than relying on the patient.

This overcomes the manufacturing-related limitations associated with existing CAR T therapies, meaning a wider range of disease types can be targeted.

Under the terms of the agreement, Baxalta and Precision BioSciences will develop CAR T therapies for up to six unique targets, with the first programme expected to enter clinical studies in late 2017.

David Meek, executive vice-president and president for oncology at Baxalta, said: "Collaborating with Precision BioSciences enables Baxalta to accelerate innovation in immuno-oncology with a next-generation, donor-derived CAR T strategy using a proprietary combination of genome editing expertise and technology."