Juno Therapeutics and WuXi AppTec have started a new company in China—JW Biotechnology (Shanghai). The new company’s mission is to build China’s leading cell therapy company by leveraging Juno’s chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) technologies together with WuXi AppTec’s R&D and manufacturing platform and local expertise to develop novel cell-based immunotherapies for patients with hematologic and solidorgan cancers. James Li, formerly a Kleiner Perkins partner and general manager of Amgen China, and a JW Biotechnology co-founder, has been appointed chief executive officer of the new company.

“Juno’s goal is to create novel immuno-oncology therapies to treat cancer patients around the world across a range of cancer types. Over 2.5 million people in China die annually from cancer, making it imperative for us to find an effective structure to reach these patients,” said Hans Bishop, president and chief executive officer, Juno Therapeutics. “JW Biotechnology with Dr. Li as chief executive will be able to draw on a diverse set of expertise from our company. WuXi AppTec’s track record of leadership and excellence in the Chinese pharmaceutical R&D sector will be key to develop and commercialize Juno’s transformational technologies for patients in this important market.”

“WuXi is very delighted to work with Juno Therapeutics, a world leader in immuno-oncology, to bring highly innovative cell therapy products to patients in China through JW Biotechnology,” said Ge Li, chairman and chief executive officer, WuXi AppTec. “The Chinese government’s regulatory reforms are expected to drive growth and demand for quality medicines that target major unmet medical needs in China, and our mission is to enable the development and commercialization of therapeutics in China through WuXi’s open-access R&D and manufacturing platform, and strategic partnerships with leading organizations worldwide.”

Juno and WuXi AppTec have equal initial ownership in JW Biotechnology, which after meeting certain conditions will have access to licensing product candidates from Juno’s pipeline for development and commercialization in China. In exchange, Juno will receive an upfront payment in equity, milestone payments and royalties on any net sales.