Biotech company Moderna will develop drugs against cancer
The developer of the COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna Inc. (MRNA), in collaboration with Carisma Therapeutics, will develop an innovative therapy against cancer. Moderna and Carisma will jointly develop and commercialize therapeutic agents based on monocytes of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-M) to treat cancer.
Carisma specializes in developing a differentiated and patented cell therapy platform focused on engineered macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that “patrol” in all tissues and absorb cellular waste, foreign organisms, and other objects that may pose a threat. Carisma is developing a way to attach CAR to macrophages to “teach” them how to fight solid tumors.
Carisma’s management will combine Moderna’s mRNA and lipid nanoparticle delivery technology with Carisma’s expertise in macrophage engineering biology, which will “potentially change the rules of the game for engineering macrophages.” Under the agreement terms, Carisma will receive an advance payment of $45 million in cash and investments from Moderna for $35 million.
Carisma will receive funding for research and is entitled to receive payments for development, regulation, and commercial activities, as well as royalties from the net sales of any products that follow the agreement. Carisma will be responsible for searching and optimizing development candidates, while Moderna will lead clinical development and commercialization. Thus, Moderna has demonstrated a willingness to diversify, which will support the company’s growth after the pandemic pressure.
