Lion Biotechnologies Obtains Exclusive License From NIH to Develop and Commercialize TIL in Bladder, Lung, Breast and HPV-Associated Cancers

Lion Biotechnologies

, a biotechnology company that is developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), today announced that it has obtained an exclusive, worldwide license from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop and commercialize TIL therapy in four additional tumor indications. Under the agreement, the NIH has granted Lion exclusive rights to certain patents to develop TIL in the treatment of bladder, lung, breast and HPV-associated cancers, including cervical and head and neck. The agreement was executed as an amendment to Lion's existing exclusive licensing agreement with the NIH for the development and commercialization of TIL in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. As consideration for the license, Lion will make an upfront payment to the NIH, payable half within 60 days of closing and the balance a year later. Additional milestone payments, which will vary according to indication, will be based on completion of specific clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones. The agreement also calls for royalties to be payable to the NIH based on revenues, and certain additional payments under different sublicense scenarios. "In addition to the efficacy previously reported in melanoma, we believe that TIL therapy has the potential to demonstrate significant clinical benefit in the treatment of many solid tumors," said Elma Hawkins, PhD, Lion's president and chief executive officer. "Having exclusivity in these additional indications will enable us to further our development efforts in other tumor types, with the goal of providing a new treatment option for patients."