- Kite Pharma (NASDAQ:KITE) secures an exclusive global license with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for intellectual property related to T Cell Receptor (TCR)-based product candidates directed against MAGE A3 and A3/A6 antigens for the treatment of MAGE-expressing tumors, including lung, pancreatic, gastric and breast cancers. Under the terms of the agreement, Kite will pay NIH an upfront fee, various milestones and royalties on net sales. Specific financial terms are not disclosed.
- Two Phase 1/2a studies assessing the candidates are currently underway at the National Cancer Institute.
- MAGE A3, melanoma-associated antigen 3, is a tumor-specific protein that is associated with poor prognoses. Its normal function in healthy cells is unknown.