Kite Pharma Licenses TCR Candidates From NIH

By Cyndi Root

Kite Pharma announced in a press release that it has licensed T Cell Receptor (TCR)-based product candidates from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Kite, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, focuses on engineered autologous T cell therapy (eACT) products for cancer. The license is an exclusive, worldwide license for intellectual property related to TCR candidates targeting the NY-ESO-1 antigen in cancers.

Kite and the NIH announced in December 2013, the results of a study on Chimeric Antigen Receptor CD 19 technology, co-developed by Kite and the NIH. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the NIH stated, “This approach offers an option for patients with chemotherapy-resistant large B-cell cancer who are not good candidates for other forms of stem cell transplantation.”

Kite and NIH Agreement

Under the terms of the new Kite and NIH agreement, the NIH licenses the intellectual property (IP) of TCR product candidates. In return, Kite is to pay the NIH milestones related to clinical and regulatory success. In addition, sales and royalty payments are due according to the license.

TCR Product Candidates

TCR product candidates recognize antigens. Kite is licensing candidates that target the NY-ESO-1 antigen expressed in many tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast and ovarian carcinoma, and prostate carcinoma. This antigen was discovered in the late 1990’s and quickly became a target for molecular, cellular, and immunological studies due to its ability to elicit spontaneous antibody and T-cell response. The NCI is conducting a Phase II trial of a TCR product candidate targeting the NY-ESO-1 antigen. Kite and the NIH are jointly conducting this research under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).

Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor Study

The NCI/NIH and Kite announced results from their joint study of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptors in December 2013. The study titled, “Effective Treatment of Chemotherapy-Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma With Autologous T Cells Genetically-Engineered to Express An Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor,” advanced understanding of blood-borne cancers and gene therapy for treatment. In the study, 15 adult patients participated in a process in which their T cells were removed and were treated with chemotherapy. Their genetically modified T cells were infused back into their bodies. Six patients achieved complete remission and six patients achieved partial remission.