Benzinga | Nov 19, 2021 07:09AM EST

Cytovia, Cellectis Expand Collaboration On Gene-Edited Cancer Platform In China

* Cytovia Therapeutics Inc and Cellectis SA (NASDAQ:CLLS) have expanded their collaboration of TALEN gene-edited iPSC-derived NK and CAR-NK cells.

* The expanded agreement will include a new CAR target and development in China by Cytovia's joint venture entity, CytoLynx Therapeutics.

* The amended financial terms include an equity stake of $20 million in Cytovia stock and up to $805 million in milestones and single-digit sales-based royalty payments.

* Cytovia will develop iNK products leveraging Cellectis' TALEN to perform gene-editing to minimize the risk of off-target effects and unlock the full potential of NK cells as the first line of defense against cancer.

* Cytovia is responsible for the differentiation and expansion of the gene-edited iPSC master cell bank into NK cells and is conducting the preclinical evaluation, clinical development, and commercialization.

* Related Link: Cellectis Unveils Four Additional Preclinical Candidates For Solid Tumors.

* Price Action: CLLS shares closed at $9.1 on Thursday.