Arovella Therapeutics (ASX:ALA) has entered into an exclusive option to license multiple patent families from Baylor College of Medicine to broaden the utility and enhance the performance of its iNKT cell platform.
Arovella said the patent families under option cover technologies to integrate two additional chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting solid tumours, as well as technology that may enhance the functionality of CAR-iNKT cells in the human setting.
The company said that if it proceeds with the license, it will further differentiate Arovella across the iNKT cell sector and increase the barrier to entry for other companies developing iNKT cell therapeutics.
The two CARs included under the option target GD2 and GPC3, clinically validated targets for solid tumours, have been studied in clinical trials.
"Substantial capital and resources have been allocated toward the development of these CARs to date," said Arovella.
Under a licence agreement, Arovella would look to incorporate the two CARs into its proprietary manufacturing process to develop allogeneic CAR-iNKT products targeting GD2 and GPC3. Under the Option, Arovella also gains access to technologies developed to improve the functionality and impact that CAR-iNKT cells have in treating cancer.
CEO and managing director Dr Michael Baker said, “Arovella believes in the potential of CAR-iNKT cells, and the team is excited by the prospect of working with Baylor to examine the potential for combining our technologies to enhance the CAR-iNKT platform. The potential to access two new solid tumour targets is an excellent opportunity for Arovella to leverage the progress it has made in developing its proprietary manufacturing process.”
Arovella said there is no fee payable for the option. The exclusive option has a term of six months, during which time Baylor College of Medicine must not offer any third party any rights in the patents and associated intellectual property for use in the same field. During the option term, the parties will negotiate the intended terms of a formal licence agreement.