BioNTech Extends Global Reach, Ambition With Kite’s Neoantigen T-Cell Receptor Assets

German Biotech Sets Sights On Cancer Cell Therapies

The company has already expanded into Asia and shown early clinical data from its own cell therapy programs as it acquires Kite Pharma’s neoantigen TCR R&D program and manufacturing plant.

map — BioNTech is expanding its global footprint with the purchase of Kite Pharma's neoantigen TCR R&D program and manufacturing plant • Source: Shutterstock

Flush on the success of its mRNA vaccine for COVID-19, BioNTech SE is already planning for the next stage of its business life with the acquisition of the neoantigen T-cell receptor (TCR) R&D program and manufacturing plant from Gilead Sciences, Inc.’s Kite Pharma division. The deal is part of a broader expansion of its oncology development program – which has already shown early signs of progress in the clinic – and global manufacturing footprint.

Mainz, Germany-based BioNTech announced 19 July that it is acquiring Santa Monica, CA-based Kite’s solid tumor neoantigen TCR platform and...