Founded as a spin-off of the University of Basel, Cimeio Therapeutics focusing on the development of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of hematologic diseases, has signed a significant collaboration agreement with Japanese Pharma, Kyowa Kirin to accelerate cell therapies into the clinical phase. Among other terms, the startup is eligible to receive up to CHF 263 million ($300M).
Cimeio Therapeutics, founded by Professor Lukas Jeker and his colleagues, is pioneering the use of gene editing and immunotherapy to create safer and more effective treatment options for patients with hematologic disorders, particularly blood cancers. The company’s Shielded-Cell & Immunotherapy Pairs (SCIP) platform, combines immunotherapies that target and deplete diseased cells with gene-edited cells that are shielded from these therapies. By modifying hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to express novel surface proteins, Cimeio aims to protect healthy cells from being targeted by therapeutic antibodies or other immunotherapeutic agents. This dual approach allows for the effective treatment of blood cancers while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
With their approach, the company has attracted investments amounting to around CHF 46 million, and concluded important partnerships. The latest collaboration with the Japanese life science company Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. is another step towards bringing gentler cell therapies into clinical practice. The partnership combines Cimeio’s proprietary SCIP platform with Kyowa Kirin’s expertise in cellular therapies and underscores both companies’ commitment to using emerging cell and gene therapy technologies to develop new ways to treat patients.
Under the terms of the agreement, Cimeio is eligible to receive an upfront payment and two years of research funding as well as development and commercial milestones, and royalties upon Kyowa Kirin’s exercise of the commercial license option, collaboration valued at up to $300 million (CHF 263m). Upon Kyowa Kirin’s exercise of a commercial license option, Cimeio will be eligible for development and commercial milestones as well as royalties on sales of potential products arising from the partnership. Further terms are not disclosed.
“Kyowa Kirin and Cimeio share the vision for the potential of therapeutics enabled by epitope-shielded cells,” said Yoshifumi Torii, Ph.D, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Head of Research Division of Kyowa Kirin. “With this partnership we believe we can develop a safe and effective therapy for diseases that in the past have been incredibly difficult to treat, and we’re looking forward to working with the talented team at Cimeio.”
(Press release/RAN)
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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