Kite and Gadeta team up in cancer fight

Biopharmaceutical company  Kite, a subsidiary of  Gilead, and immunotherapy development company  Gadeta announced on Thursday, July 19 that they have entered into a strategic collaboration to produce cancer therapies.

The aim of the partnership is to develop novel gamma delta T cell receptor (TCR) therapies in various cancers.

Under the terms of the collaboration, US-based Kite will provide research and development (R&D) funding, while Gadeta, located in the Netherlands, will be able to receive payments when it reaches certain regulatory milestones.

Kite will make an upfront purchase of equity in Gadeta and from its shareholders, and will have the option to acquire additional equity in Gadeta when the company reaches certain R&D milestones.

Gadeta has developed a technology that engineers alpha beta T cells with gamma delta TCRs. The technology has the potential to treat various haematological cancers (including leukaemia and lymphoma) and solid tumours.

Alessandro Riva, executive vice president of oncology therapeutics at Gilead, said this is part of the company’s strategy to invest in research approaches that support the development of innovative cell therapies for cancer patients.

“We are excited to work with Gadeta on its gamma delta TCR technology,” he said.

“This research collaboration adds an additional platform to our current capabilities in research and cell manufacturing, and deepens our commitment to develop novel approaches to treat solid tumours.”

Shelley Margetson, CEO of Gadeta, added that the company’s mission is to develop novel gamma delta TCR cell therapies to benefit people living with cancer.

She said: “We are excited to gain the support of a leader in the cell therapy field, which has seen the potential of our platform and products to redefine cancer therapy.”

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