Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. have entered into an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialize XTX301, Xilio’s Phase 1 tumor-activated IL-12 program. This partnership leverages Xilio’s innovative technology to develop immuno-oncology therapies specifically activated within the tumor microenvironment, potentially mitigating systemic toxicities and enhancing the efficacy of treatments for a broad range of cancers.
XTX301, currently undergoing a Phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors, presents a significant step forward in immuno-oncology. Bill Grossman, MD, PhD, of Gilead Sciences, emphasized the alignment of Xilio’s tumor-activation platform with Gilead’s ongoing clinical efforts in addressing challenging cancers, highlighting the prospective broad-spectrum efficacy of IL-12 in solid tumors.
René Russo, Pharm.D., President and CEO of Xilio, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Gilead, underscoring the combined strength of Gilead’s expertise in novel immuno-oncology product development and Xilio’s innovative technology. This partnership aims to overcome the historical challenges associated with IL-12 use, such as severe toxicities, while potentially providing substantial benefits across various tumor types, including those considered immunologically cold.
Under the agreement, Xilio will receive $43.5 million in upfront payments, with the potential for up to $604 million in additional payments based on development, regulatory, and sales milestones, as well as tiered royalties on global net product sales. The collaboration also includes a $75 million transition fee, allowing Gilead to assume responsibilities for XTX301’s further development and commercialization upon delivering a specified clinical data package from Xilio.
This collaboration marks a notable advancement in immuno-oncology, promising to deliver innovative therapeutic options for patients battling a wide range of solid tumors.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
