Cell therapy company SQZ Biotechnologies has expanded its deal worth up to $1bn with Roche for the development and commercialisation of immune-oncology products.

SQZ and Roche initially partnered in 2015 to formulate drugs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The alliance combines SQZ cell therapy innovation with Roche’s cancer immunotherapy expertise.

The partners will now focus on certain antigen presenting cells (APCs)-based products developed using the SQZ platform. These APCs use native immune functions to stimulate target-specific killer (CD8) T cell responses in vivo.

SQZ APCs can directly trigger the CD8 T cell activity in terms of the presentation of antigens on MHC-I. They can also potentially exhibit anti-tumour effects by targeting antigens inaccessible by other adoptive cell-based cancer immune therapies.

The engineering and manufacturing process for these APCs does not require cellular expansion or genetic modification with viruses or editing agents. This improves the anticipated safety profile as well as reduces production time and cost.

“We have an ambitious scientific and clinical vision to create transformative cell therapies at SQZ, and we believe our alliance with Roche will yield novel therapeutics for cancer patients.”

SQZ Biotechnologies founder and CEO Armon Sharei said: “We believe that this new expanded collaboration accelerates our ability to bring a broad range of impactful oncology products to market.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We have an ambitious scientific and clinical vision to create transformative cell therapies at SQZ, and we believe our alliance with Roche will yield novel therapeutics for cancer patients.”

According to the partnership, Roche will make up to $125m upfront and near-term milestone payments to SQZ, which is also eligible for more than $1bn in development milestone payments.

The company may also receive additional $250m clinical, regulatory and sales milestones per product resulting from the alliance. SQZ and Roche could share commercial rights for some of the approved products.