Eversheds has advised the Cell Therapy Catapult on an innovative partnership with UCL Business (UCLB) and Imperial Innovations for the advancement of a novel cell therapy approach to treat acute myeloid leukaemia.

The joint venture, named Catapult Therapy TCR Limited, will develop a new therapy which modifies a patient’s T cells through gene therapy so that they will target and destroy the patient's malignant cells when infused back into the body. It has potential particularly in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia and haematological disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome.

Under the terms of the agreement, UCLB and Imperial Innovations have contributed their relevant patents and expertise to Catapult Therapy TCR Limited, and will be eligible to receive late-stage development milestones and royalties over the course of the therapy development. The Cell Therapy Catapult will invest up to £10m to take the therapy into and through Phase II trials, providing a full range of expertise including manufacturing development and clinical trial sponsorship.

The clinical trials are expected to begin patient enrolment in 2015. Manufacture is being undertaken at the world-leading UCL Institute of Child Health/Great Ormond Street Hospital cell therapy production unit.

The Eversheds team was led by IP partner, Adrian Toutoungi, working alongside Global Sector Group Head of Health & Life Sciences, Simon Crossley, corporate partner Steven Hacking and principal associate Tim London advising on state aid issues.

Adrian Toutoungi commented:

“Cell therapy products, along with gene therapies and tissue-engineered products, are at the cutting edge of medical technology. We are delighted to have advised the Cell Therapy Catapult on this trailblazing transaction, and look forward to supporting it to achieve further strategic goals.”