Novartis and Surface Oncology form new immuno-oncology collaboration

Novartis has announced a new strategic alliance and licensing agreement with Surface Oncology in the field of immuno-oncology.

The deal gives Novartis access to four preclinical programmes targeting regulatory T cell populations, inhibitory cytokines and immunosuppressive metabolites in the tumour microenvironment.

These programmes will be explored as monotherapies and in combination with other complementary therapies in Novartis' immuno-oncology and targeted therapy portfolios, further expanding the company's capabilities in this emerging field.

Mark Fishman, president of the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, said: "This alliance with Surface Oncology is another building block in our strategy to develop a portfolio of programmes that we believe will lead the next wave of immuno-oncology medicines."

Novartis' diverse immuno-oncology portfolio already includes seven additional programmes in clinical trials, with five more expected to enter the clinic by the end of 2016.

The firm bolstered its presence in this market last year with the acquisition of Admune Therapeutics, while also signing licensing deals with Palobiofarma and XOMA Corporation.