Gilead deal clears path for Jounce to advance immuno-oncology programs 

Via a deal with Gilead yielding $120 million in upfront cash for rights to a preclinical oncology program, Jounce will extend its cash runway into 2023 as it presses forward with a lead program on the comeback trail, while also steering earlier-stage programs toward the clinic.

The deal gives Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) exclusive, worldwide rights to JTX-1811, a mAb that targets CCR8 to selectively deplete tumor-infiltrating T regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment, and thus remove a barrier to immune response. That program is due to reach the IND stage next half...