Biotech firms advance cancer immunotherapy through new partnerships and funding

Shilpa Biologicals and Saudi Arabia-based SPIMACO Bio have entered into an exclusive strategic licensing and commercialization agreement for a portfolio of PD-1 inhibitor biosimilars. The partnership aims to expand access to affordable cancer immunotherapies across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Shilpa Biologicals will retain intellectual property ownership and act as the exclusive developer and manufacturer, while SPIMACO Bio will manage regulatory execution, market access, and commercialization.

In a separate immunotherapy development move, PDS Biotech has completed an initial close of a Nant Capital-led private investment in public equity (PIPE) totaling up to $22.3 million. The investment, led by Patrick Soon-Shiong’s investment vehicle, includes the appointment of Soon-Shiong to the PDS Biotech board. As part of the deal, NantWorks holds a one-year exclusive right to negotiate a license for PDS0101, an HPV-targeted immunotherapy. The funds are intended for debt repayment, working capital, and late-stage development.