A roundup of bio/pharmaceutical partnering news from AbbVie/Xilio Therapeutics, Eli Lilly and Company/AdvanCell and Eli Lilly and Company/OliX. 

* AbbVie, Xilio Therapeutics In $2.1-Bn Immunotherapy Oncology Drug Pact 
* Lilly, AdvanCell Expand Radiopharma Pact
* Lilly, OliX in Heart Disease Drug Pact 

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AbbVie, Xilio Therapeutics In $2.1-Bn Immunotherapy Oncology Drug Pact 
AbbVie and Xilio Therapeutics, a clinical-stage bio/pharmaceutical company focused on oncology drugs, have entered an agreement to develop tumor-activated, antibody-based immunotherapies, including masked T-cell engagers, in a deal worth up to $2.1 billion ($52 million upfront and $2.1 billion in milestone payments). 

Xilio has developed a proprietary platform technology for tumor-activated biologics. The company is advancing a pipeline of clinical and preclinical immunotherapies, including masked multispecific molecules designed to achieve tumor-selective activation by leveraging masking and other unique components that are optimized for the specific target.  

Under the agreement, Xilio will receive $52.0 million in total upfront payments, including a $10-million equity investment, and will be eligible to receive up to approximately $2.1 billion in total contingent payments for option-related fees and milestones plus tiered royalties. 

Source: AbbVie 

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Lilly, AdvanCell Expand Radiopharma Pact 
Eli Lilly and Company has expanded its agreement with AdvanCell, a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company specializing in targeted alpha therapies, to research and develop treatments for various cancers. 

Under the new agreement, the parties will leverage AdvanCell’s proprietary Pb-212 production technology and radionuclide development infrastructure and Lilly’s drug-candidate programs and expertise in drug development to facilitate the development and accelerate the clinical advancement of an expanded portfolio of targeted alpha therapies. Financial terms were not disclosed. 

Source: AdvanCell 

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Lilly, OliX in Heart Disease Drug Pact   
Eli Lilly and Company has entered an agreement with OliX Pharmaceuticals, a Seongnam, South Korea-based developer of RNAi therapeutics, focusing on the development and commercialization of OliX’s OLX75016, a Phase I candidate primarily targeting metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and other cardiometabolic indications.  

OliX will receive an initial payment from Lilly to complete the Phase I clinical trial, currently underway in Australia. OliX is currently developing OLX75016 as a therapeutic in treating MASH accompanied by liver fibrosis, and other cardiometabolic indications. 

Source: OliX