Marlborough pharma, Seattle biotech ink $124M deal

A Marlborough-based subsidiary of a Japanese pharmaceutical company has partnered with a Seattle biotech in a deal worth up to $124 million.

Under the license agreement, the Astella Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Marlborough and Universal Cells of Seattle will research, develop and commercialize a cell therapy for an undisclosed indication, according to a press release last week. 

Universal Cells will utilize its donor-cell technology to create cell therapy products for administration to a recipient without the need for Human Leukocyte Antigen matching, the companies said. 

Per the agreement, Universal Cells is eligible to receive $9 million in combination of an upfront payment and research milestones. Up to another $115 million and royalties is contingent upon further clinical development and regulatory milestones.

The research will be conducted jointly, but Astellas will lead and fund the entire program and obtain worldwide rights for commercialization, according to the press release.

The Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine was founded in May 2016 after Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. acquired Ocata Therapeutics.