Lyell buys GCC-targeted CAR-T for colorectal cancer from Innovative Cellular Therapeutics

Lyell Immunopharma has strengthened its solid tumor pipeline by acquiring the global rights to LYL273, a novel autologous guanylyl cyclase-C (GCC)-targeted CAR-T cell product candidate for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and other GCC-expressing cancers, from Innovative Cellular Therapeutics (ICT).

LYL273 is a GCC-targeted CAR-T cell product candidate enhanced with CD19 CAR expression and controlled cytokine release designed to improve CAR-T cell expansion, immune cell infiltration and cancer cell killing in the hostile solid tumor microenvironment.

Patients with refractory mCRC treated with LYL273 in a phase 1 trial conducted in the U.S. achieved a 67% overall response rate and an 83% disease control rate (complete and partial response plus stable disease) per response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST), with a manageable safety profile at the highest dose level studied to date.

Under the terms of the license agreement, Lyell will receive exclusive global rights, ex-mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize LYL273. ICT will receive an upfront payment of $40 million and 1.9 million shares of Lyell common stock. ICT is also eligible to receive additional cash considerations of a potential $30 million clinical milestone, up to $115 million in late-stage regulatory milestones and up to $675 million in commercial sales milestones. Additional equity consideration consists of up to 1.85 million shares of Lyell common stock upon achievement of certain milestones.