January 20, 2021 -- Gritstone Oncology and Genevant Sciences have entered into an agreement to develop and commercialize self-amplifying RNA (SAM) vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
Under the agreement, Gritstone has obtained a nonexclusive license to Genevant's lipid nanoparticle technology platform. The platform is clinically validated and already part of Gritstone's SAM neoantigen cancer immunotherapy program, which is currently in phase II clinical testing.
As part of the agreement, Genevant is eligible to receive up to $192 million in upfront and contingent milestone payments per product from Gritstone, plus royalties ranging from the mid-single to mid-double digits on future product sales. If Gritstone out-licenses the program, Genevant may be entitled to a percentage of amounts that Gritstone receives.