Xilio Therapeutics Enters $2.1 Billion Collaboration with AbbVie for Novel T Cell Therapies
Deal News | Feb 13, 2025 | Ropes & Gray
Xilio Therapeutics has entered a collaboration and option agreement with AbbVie to develop innovative tumor-activated immunotherapies worth up to $2.1 billion. Ropes & Gray advised Xilio on this strategic partnership, announced on February 12. The deal focuses on creating masked T-cell engagers that activate within tumor environments, minimizing toxicity and enhancing tolerability. Xilio will receive $52 million upfront, additional fees, milestones, and royalties under the agreement, granting AbbVie exclusive options for developing cancer-targeted therapies, including masked antibody-based immunotherapy. The Ropes & Gray advisory team included partners Hannah England and Ian Nilsen.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
Geography
- United States – Both Xilio Therapeutics and AbbVie are based in the United States, making the collaboration primarily relevant to the US market.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The collaboration involves the development of novel biotechnological therapies, specifically focusing on tumor-activated immunotherapies.
- Pharmaceuticals – The article discusses a partnership to discover and develop new cancer treatment drugs, indicating its relevance to the pharmaceutical industry.
Financials
- $2.1 Billion – The total potential value of the collaboration agreement between Xilio Therapeutics and AbbVie.
- $52 Million – The upfront payment Xilio Therapeutics will receive from AbbVie as part of the agreement.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xilio Therapeutics | Target Company | Company | A biotech firm involved in the development of tumor-activated immunotherapies. |
| AbbVie | Bidding Company | Company | A global pharmaceutical company entering a strategic collaboration with Xilio Therapeutics. |
| Ropes & Gray | Legal Advisor | Company | A law firm that advised Xilio Therapeutics in their collaboration with AbbVie. |
| Hannah England | Life Sciences Licensing Partner | Person | A partner at Ropes & Gray who played a key role in advising Xilio Therapeutics. |
| Ian Nilsen | Life Sciences Licensing Associate | Person | An associate at Ropes & Gray who was involved in advising Xilio Therapeutics. |