GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to pay up to $61 million to license, research, and develop a cancer treatment based on Adaptimmune Therapeutics’ T-cell therapy, writes Linda Loyd for Philly.com.

GSK, which has facilities in Upper Merion and Upper Providence, signed a collaboration deal with Adaptimmune three years ago. Last week, GSK exercised its option to exclusively license, develop, and sell the Biotech’s T-cell therapy.

“This is a very exciting day for Adaptimmune as GSK has exercised its option over our NY-ESO program earlier than originally planned,” said James Noble, Adaptimmune’s chief executive officer.

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According to Axel Hoos, GSK’s senior vice president of oncology research and development, the data presented at a June medical meeting showed the cell therapy can successfully treat synovial sarcoma.

He added that GSK now plans to explore its use in other tumor types and in combination with other cancer therapies.

GSK is also taking over the development and testing of the cell therapy. It is already scheduled to be part of an ongoing study to treat multiple myeloma in combination with a cancer treatment developed by Merck & Co.’s Keytruda.

GSK will pay undisclosed payments and royalties if Adaptimmune Therapeutics’ T-cell therapy is commercialized.

Read more about GSK’s investment at Philly.com by clicking here.

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