Sanofi is collaborating with Scribe Therapeutics to use the startup’s CRISPR technology to create cell therapies based on natural killers, a type of immune cell that has cancer-killing capabilities. The pharma giant is paying Scribe $25 million up front to kick off the deal.
Natural killers cells are the focus of a growing number of companies pursuing next-generation cell therapies for cancer. Indapta Therapeutics focuses on a subset of this class of cancer-killing cells, and it aims to use them in combination with antibody drugs to boost efficacy.
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
Gilead Sciences and BeiGene, which started research alliances with Shoreline Biosciences earlier this year, are among the investors in the biotech's latest financing. The preclinical-stage company technology develops cell therapies for cancer by using natural killer cells.