Immunotherapy-focused biotech LIfT BioSciences has entered into a license agreement with Bayer Healthcare for its Co.Lab facilities in Cambridge, MA.
Through this agreement, LIfT will have access to Bayer's advanced infrastructure and shared services, which will assist the company in developing its immuno-modulatory alpha neutrophil (IMAN) platform, which is designed to tackle treatment resistance in solid tumours.
“The Bayer Co.Lab offers a unique environment designed to support our kind of biotech innovation, while strengthening our transatlantic presence as we expand as a clinical stage company,” said Alex Blyth, CEO of LIfT Biosciences.
Under the terms of the agreement, LIfT will gain access to an innovation space designed to support the needs of early-stage biotechs.
It also allows LIfT the opportunity to expand into larger research pods or private lab areas as its operations grow.
Through centralised procurement and operational support, the company hopes to advance the IMAN platform safely and efficiently.
Fiona Mack, Head Co.Lab Cambridge at Bayer HealthCare LLC said: “The Co.Lab was created to provide cutting-edge biotech companies with the space, resources and network they need to accelerate their research and development."
"Co.Lab portfolio companies have been selected by a panel of experts within Bayer based upon the scientific merit and potential to substantially impact healthcare. LIfT, with its novel immunotherapy approach, exemplifies the type of company and innovative science that we aim to support and we believe they will be a great fit in our collaborative environment.”
The company is preparing initiatives with a range of pharmaceutical license partners to develop a portfolio of engineered IMAN immunotherapies to destroy a range of solid tumours.