Epitopea Announces Strategic Collaboration with MSD for Cancer Immunotherapy Enhancement
Deal News | Feb 19, 2025 | advent life sciences llp
Epitopea, a leader in cancer immunotherapeutics, has entered into a license and research collaboration agreement with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) to identify tumor-specific antigens using Epitopea's proprietary CryptoMap TM platform. This collaboration is aimed at developing new therapeutics for an undisclosed solid tumor type, potentially leading to the creation of advanced immunotherapies. Under the agreement, MSD gains exclusive rights to develop and commercialize these therapeutics, while Epitopea will receive undisclosed upfront payments and possible milestone payments that could total up to $300 million per product. The collaboration underscores MSD's commitment to enhancing immuno-oncology treatments and Epitopea's pioneering role in identifying unique Cryptigen TM antigens, which are instrumental in developing off-the-shelf RNA-based immunotherapies. With support from leading investors like Advent Life Sciences, this partnership emphasizes the potential of Epitopea's next-generation antigen discovery capabilities.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – Epitopea has operations in Cambridge, UK and is supported by UK investors such as Cambridge Innovation Capital.
- Canada – Epitopea's presence in Montreal indicates its significant operations and research activities based in Canada.
- United States – MSD, headquartered in the USA, collaborates with Epitopea in this agreement, showing the cross-border nature of this partnership.
Industry
- Biotechnology – Involves the application of biological processes in the development of products like RNA-based immunotherapies to treat cancer.
- Pharmaceuticals – The partnership's focus on developing therapeutics involves the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in immuno-oncology.
- Private Equity & Venture Capital – Epitopea is backed by significant venture capital financing, highlighting the role of investors in this industry.
Financials
- Up to $300 million per product – Potential milestone payments Epitopea is eligible to receive from MSD for successful development and commercialization.
- More than USD $45 million – Total financing raised by Epitopea to date.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epitopea | Target Company | Company | A transatlantic company developing RNA-based immunotherapies, focusing on Cryptigen TM tumor-specific antigens. |
| MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) | Bidding Company | Company | A global leader in immunotherapy therapeutic development, participating in the license and collaboration agreement. |
| Advent Life Sciences LLP | Investor | Private Equity Firm | A key investor in Epitopea, supporting its growth and strategic initiatives. |
| Alan C. Rigby | CEO of Epitopea | Person | Leading Epitopea through strategic partnerships and development stages. |
| George Addona | Senior Vice President, Merck Research Laboratories | Person | Involved in exploratory and developmental aspects of immuno-oncology at MSD. |