Innovative Partnership: AstraZeneca and Quell Therapeutics Targeting Autoimmune Diseases with Engineered Treg Cell Therapies

Innovative Partnership: AstraZeneca and Quell Therapeutics Targeting Autoimmune Diseases with Engineered Treg Cell Therapies

(IN BRIEF) AstraZeneca and Quell Therapeutics have announced a collaboration to develop innovative treatments for Type 1 Diabetes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Quell’s T-regulatory cell engineering technology will be used to create potential curative therapies. AstraZeneca has the option to further develop and commercialize successful candidates for these conditions. The agreement includes an $85 million upfront payment to Quell, with the possibility of over $2 billion in additional funding and royalties. Quell also retains the option to co-develop therapies for Type 1 Diabetes in the United States, with milestone payments and increased royalties. The collaboration aims to revolutionize autoimmune disease treatments and improve the lives of patients.

(PRESS RELEASE) CAMBRIDGE, 9-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN), a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, has recently entered into an exclusive collaboration, option, and license agreement with Quell Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech firm. This strategic partnership aims to revolutionize the field of autoimmune diseases, particularly Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), by developing innovative engineered T-regulatory (Treg) cell therapies with the potential to provide a curative approach.

As per the terms of the agreement, Quell’s cutting-edge toolbox of Treg cell engineering modules, including the groundbreaking Foxp3 Phenotype Lock, will be utilized to create autologous multi-modular Treg cell therapy candidates for major autoimmune disease indications. By leveraging Quell’s proprietary technology, AstraZeneca aims to develop transformative treatments that address the underlying causes of these debilitating conditions.

The agreement grants AstraZeneca the option to further develop and commercialize successful clinical candidates specifically for Type 1 Diabetes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This collaboration not only solidifies AstraZeneca’s commitment to advancing innovative therapies but also showcases Quell Therapeutics’ position as a leader in the field of Treg cell engineering.

In terms of financial considerations, AstraZeneca will provide an upfront payment of $85 million to Quell Therapeutics, consisting primarily of a cash payment alongside an equity investment. Furthermore, Quell is eligible to receive over $2 billion in additional funding, contingent upon achieving various development and commercialization milestones, as well as tiered royalties.

Additionally, Quell Therapeutics will retain an option to co-develop Treg cell therapies from the Type 1 Diabetes program with AstraZeneca in the United States. This option can be exercised either after the approval of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application or at the conclusion of the Phase I/II clinical study. In exchange for this collaboration, Quell will receive additional milestone payments and increased royalties based on net sales in the United States.

Both AstraZeneca and Quell Therapeutics are excited about the potential of this collaboration to bring about transformative treatment options for patients suffering from Type 1 Diabetes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. By combining their expertise and resources, the partnership aims to pave the way for curative therapies that can improve the lives of millions of individuals worldwide.