Astellas Pharma and MIMETAS, which specialises in human disease modelling, have entered a strategic partnership to develop treatments for cancer.
The companies will use MIMETAS’ tumour models to support the next generation of immuno-oncological therapies.
“We are excited to make this next step in our longstanding collaboration with Astellas,” Paul Vulto, CEO of MIMETAS, said. “Astellas is among Japan’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies with ambitious programmes on cancer cell therapies and bispecific immune cell engagers.
“MIMETAS has the expertise and technology to capture the complexity of tumours and their microenvironments. This crucial piece of a puzzle allows us to understand tumour biology more deeply and supports Astellas’ ambition to substantially increase response rate to immuno-oncological treatments.”
Under the partnership, Astellas will receive access to MIMETAS immune oncological disease assays. MIMETAS will be eligible for upfront and milestone payments.