Bayer AG, a Germany-based leading pharmaceutical and life science company, has recently announced a strategic collaboration with an American biotechnology company Atara Biotherapeutics Inc. Sources with relevant information stated that the two company have teamed up to research, develop and manufacture mesothelin-directed CAR T-cell therapies for treating solid tumors.
For those uninitiated, Atara Biotherapeutics is one of the few prominent companies in T-cell immunotherapy, possessing advanced CAR T technologies as well as allogeneic cell manufacturing processes. Atara’s technology is reportedly based on EVB (Epstein-Barr Virus) T-cell platform, which is integrated with CAR T solutions and primarily targets mesothelin in order to enhance durability, safety, persistence and efficacy of response.
As per the agreement, the duo will develop an armored allogenic T-cell immunotherapy called ATA3271, alongside an autologous version ATA2271 for treatment of high mesothelin-expressing tumors including non-small-cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Atara will lead Investigational New Drug (IND)-based research and development for ATA3271, while Bayer will focus on submitting the IND and its subsequent clinical development, sources claimed.
Wolfram Carius, Head of Cell & Gene Therapy Unit at Bayer, was reported saying that the recent collaboration reflects Bayer’s efforts in cell & gene therapy. He added that the company is looking forward to working with Atara in order to develop advanced CAR T-cell therapies for individuals with difficult-to-treat cancers.
President and CEO at Atara, Pascal Touchon mentioned in a comment that the partnership will help in boosting the development of mesothelin targeted CAR T-cell therapies for various types of solid tumors. He added that the company will benefit from Bayer’s proven track record in oncology as well as in cell and gene therapy.
If reports are to be believed, Atara will be responsible for the ongoing phase 1 study of ATA2271, for which an IND filing as already been accepted. Meanwhile, Bayer will gain non-exclusive right to negotiate a licensee for other CAR T product candidates of Atara.
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