Each week (well almost, some weeks are quite uneventful), we compile and curate hot-off-the-press news and updates on the happenings in the world of pharma and life sciences partnering.

Be sure to follow us and keep up-to-date on all things partnering to inform your decisions and strategies.

Bayer terminated it’s two-year-old partnership with Atara Biotherapeutics – effective September – that included the development of off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapy for high mesothelin-expressing tumors – see full article.

biospace.com

Merck & Co has added another drug to its immuno-oncology pipeline via an agreement with China’s Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical, with deal value estimated at $47 million in upfront payments and another $1.36 billion in potential milestone payments – see full article.

pharmaphorum.com

AbbVie and Cugene Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation precision immunology and oncology medicines to treat autoimmune disease and cancer, announced an exclusive worldwide license option agreement for CUG252, a potential best-in-class Treg-selective IL-2 mutein – see press release.

abbvie.com

Shionogi is partnering with F2G to push F2G’s olorofim through clinical trials and regulatory action in Europe and Asia, with deal value of $100 million upfront, followed by up to $380 million in downstream milestones – see full article.

endpts.com

Multiples PE will lead an investment of INR 6,850 Mn, along with a few other financial investors, for a ~9.3% stake in BDR Pharmaceuticals International Private Limited (“BDR Pharma”), an R&D focused, integrated pharma player – see full article.

apnnews.com

Independence Blue Cross is partnering with Uno Health to give its eligible Medicare Advantage members more support enrolling in several federal and state government programs – see press release.

ibx.com