Cullinan Oncology partners with MAB Discovery

The companies said they will use MAB Discovery ’s rabbit platform to generate a potent, human immune checkpoint agonist. Last October, Cullinan  raised US$150m from investors with the goal to build a portfolio of eight to ten oncology drug development programmes. 

“We are excited to enter into this collaboration as the MAB Discovery development engine provides us with access to highly differentiated monoclonal antibodies” said Patrick Baeuerle, Cullinan’s Chief Scientific Officer, Biologics, and co-founder of Micromet . “Our first program is a novel agonistic antibody that has the potential to be a pillar of future immuno-oncology and standard treatments. We look forward to working with Stephan Fischer and the MABD team to execute the development plan and progress the asset into the clinic.”

Under the terms of the agreement, MAB Discovery got no money but an undisclosed upfront interest in Cullinan Wittelsbach, a subsidiary of Cullinan Oncology LLC formed to fund and shepherd the development of the asset. The company is also eglible to receive milestone-based payments, 

Cullinan Oncology is focused on investing in and developing a highly diversified portfolio of oncology therapeutics. Cullinan is backed by the UBS Oncology Impact Fund (OIF) managed by MPM Capital, a worldwide leader in oncology investing, and F2 Ventures.