The agreement focuses on the US biotech’s development candidate ATA3271, an armored next generation allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy, and an autologous version, ATA2271. The drugs are aimed at treating high mesothelin-expressing tumors such as malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small-cell lung cancer.

For a limited time, Bayer will have a nonexclusive right to negotiate a license for additional Atara CAR-T product candidates.

Based in South San Francisco, California, Atara is regarded as a pioneer in allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy with its allogeneic cell manufacturing processes and next-generation CAR-T technologies. The technology Bayer is licensing leverages the company’s proprietary Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) T-cell platform combined with next generation CAR-T technologies targeting mesothelin to improve efficacy, persistence, safety, and durability of response.

Under the working terms of the US-German deal, the biotech will lead IND (Investigational New Drug)-enabling studies and process development for ATA3271 while Bayer will be responsible for submitting the IND and subsequent clinical development and commercialization.  Atara will continue to be responsible for the ongoing ATA2271 phase 1 study, for which an IND filing has been accepted and the clinical trial has been initiated.

Financial terms of the arrangement call for Atara to receive an upfront payment of $60 million and up to $610 million for development, regulatory and commercialization milestones, plus tiered royalties up to a low double-digit percentage of net sales

In late October, Bayer announced it was adding another gene therapy specialist, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio), to its own emerging cell and gene therapy (CGT) platform. The Leverkusen group said this would strengthen its commitment to the field after the 2019 acquisition of gene therapist BlueRock.

Wolfram Carius, head of Bayer’s Cell & Gene Therapy unit, said the pact with Atara strengthens his group’s development portfolio through allogeneic cell therapies and consolidates its emerging leadership in the field.

Pascal Touchon, president and CEO of Atara, added that collaborating with Bayer will accelerate the US company’s development of next-generation mesothelin-targeted CAR-T cell therapies. “Bayer’s proven track record in oncology global development and commercialization, and growing presence in cell and gene therapy, enhances Atara’s capabilities and complements our leading allogeneic T-cell platform,” he said.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist