Baxalta, Symphogen in immuno-oncology deal

Baxalta Inc. (NYSE:BXLT) and Symphogen A/S (Copenhagen, Denmark) partnered to develop cancer therapeutics against six undisclosed checkpoint targets. The deal is Baxalta's largest in cancer since its spinout from Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) last year.

Symphogen is developing antibody mixtures that can include antibodies against different epitopes on the same target, multiple targets or both. Under the deal, the biotech is responsible for R&D of up to six therapeutics through Phase I, after which Baxalta has exclusive options to license the programs and would be responsible for further development and commercialization. The partners expect the first program to enter the clinic in 2017, but did not disclose potential indications. ...