Gilead Sciences and Agenus Inc. have entered into an immuno-oncology (I-O) partnership for the development and commercialization of up to five novel immuno-oncology therapies. 

Agenus will receive $150 million upon closing, which includes a $120 million upfront and a $30 million equity investment.  The agreement also includes approximately $1.7 billion in potential future fees and milestones.

Gilead will receive worldwide exclusive rights to AGEN1423, which has an estimated IND filing by year-end 2018. Gilead will also receive the exclusive option to license two additional programs: AGEN1223 and AGEN2373. Agenus has filed the IND for AGEN1223 and has a planned IND filing for AGEN2373 in the first half of 2019. 

Agenus will be responsible for developing the option programs and Gilead may acquire exclusive rights to the programs. For one of the option programs, Agenus will have the right to opt-in to shared development and commercialization in the U.S. Gilead will also receive right of first negotiation for two additional, undisclosed preclinical programs.  

“Recent advances in immuno-oncology have produced unprecedented benefit to patients; however, many people with cancer still require more effective treatment options,” said John McHutchison, AO, MD, chief scientific officer and head of R&D, Gilead Sciences. “Our collaboration with Agenus gives us access to novel and differentiated immune modulating antibodies that will complement our growing oncology portfolio and cell therapy business.  We look forward to partnering with the Agenus team.”

“Gilead is an ideal partner for Agenus for the rapid advancement of our pipeline,” said Garo Armen, PhD, chairman and chief executive officer, Agenus.  “By year end, our discovery platforms will have resulted in six INDs in 2018 and 13 INDs by the 1H2019.  Gilead’s established global presence and commitment to disruptive therapies, combined with our track-record in building a broad pipeline in I-O, has the potential to yield breakthrough I-O treatments for patients with cancer.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.