Takara Bio has entered into a License and Supply Agreement with BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies. Takara Bio will grant BioNTech a commercial license to use applicable patents relating to RetroNectin, and will provide BioNTech with supplies of RetroNectin.
The patented technologies licensed to BioNTech are based on Takara Bio’s proprietary RetroNectin method, which includes a technology enabling gene transduction to cells by retrovirus/lentivirus vector and expansion of T-cells with high efficiency. The RetroNectin method’s standard protocols are utilised for “Engineered T-cell Therapy”, which includes promising TCR and CAR gene therapies recently raising higher expectations.
BioNTech is allowed to use RetroNectin for production of its cell and gene therapy products, therapies in which a patient’s T cells are genetically engineered to express a CAR for the treatment of multiple solid tumours.