Gilead and Xilio Announce Exclusive License Agreement for Tumor-Activated IL-12 Program
FOSTER CITY, Calif. and WALTHAM, Mass. March 28, 2024 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: XLO) have recently revealed a groundbreaking exclusive license agreement that showcases their commitment to advancing cancer treatment. The agreement allows Gilead to develop and commercialize Xilio’s Phase 1 tumor-activated IL-12 program, XTX301, a clinical-stage IL-12 molecule with immense potential to treat a vast range of cancers.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the fight against cancer, as the tumor-activated IL-12 program presents a unique approach to harnessing the power of the immune system to combat various types of tumors. By targeting and activating the body’s natural defense mechanisms specifically within tumor cells, this innovative therapy has the potential to deliver more effective and precise treatment outcomes while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
The XTX301 molecule, at the forefront of Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12 program, has demonstrated promising results in early-phase clinical trials. It has shown the ability to activate the immune response within tumor microenvironments, leading to enhanced anti-tumor activity and potentially improved patient outcomes.
Under the terms of the agreement, Gilead will gain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize XTX301, along with other future products derived from Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12 program. This strategic move emphasizes Gilead’s commitment to expanding its oncology portfolio and addressing the unmet needs of patients with cancer.
Dr. Katy Yamamoto, Gilead’s Executive Vice President of Research, commented, We are delighted to join forces with Xilio Therapeutics to further develop and advance the tumor-activated IL-12 program. This collaboration aligns with our mission to transform the treatment landscape for cancer patients by exploring innovative therapeutic approaches that harness the immune system’s potential.
This partnership leverages Gilead’s vast expertise in drug development, significant resources, and global reach, while also capitalizing on Xilio’s groundbreaking research and advancements in the field of tumor-activated IL-12 therapy.
Dr. Asaf Bagazgoitia, CEO of Xilio Therapeutics, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, Partnering with Gilead will allow us to accelerate the development and potential clinical applications of our tumor-activated IL-12 program. We are confident that Gilead’s industry-leading capabilities will help bring these innovative therapies to a wider patient population.
The tumor-activated IL-12 program represents a new frontier in cancer treatment, with the potential to revolutionize the way we approach the disease. By harnessing the body’s own immune system, this therapy has the capacity to enhance the precision and efficacy of cancer treatments, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients worldwide.
As Gilead and Xilio collaborate on further developing and commercializing the XTX301 molecule, the expectations and anticipation surrounding this therapy are steadily mounting. Patients, physicians, and researchers eagerly await the results of ongoing clinical trials, hopeful for a breakthrough that may unlock new possibilities in cancer treatment.
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