#United States #Immunotherapy #AbbVie #North Chicago #Xilio Therapeutics

AbbVie and Xilio Therapeutics Collaborate for Immunotherapy Development

In an exciting development in the field of oncology, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has announced a strategic partnership with Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: XLO). The collaboration, unveiled on February 12, 2025, aims to leverage Xilio’s innovative tumor-activated technology to develop antibody-based immunotherapies, including masked T-cell engagers, designed specifically for cancer treatment. This partnership is set to strengthen both companies' efforts in advancing next-generation cancer therapies that focus on reducing systemic side effects while improving efficacy.

Advancing Tumor-Activated Immunotherapy

Xilio is recognized for its cutting-edge, clinically-validated platform technology, which focuses on creating tumor-selective biologics. The company is actively advancing a robust pipeline of immunotherapies that include masked multispecific molecules, capable of selectively targeting tumors while minimizing adverse systemic effects. As outlined by Theodora S. Ross, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of early oncology research and development at AbbVie, this collaboration is indicative of AbbVie’s ongoing commitment to revolutionizing cancer care.

The partnership is expected to accelerate the development of innovative therapies, with Xilio’s chief scientific officer, Uli Bialucha, Ph.D., expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration. Bialucha emphasized that the combination of AbbVie's expertise in developing oncology treatments and Xilio’s innovative technology will pave the way for enhanced T-cell engagers, potentially transforming the treatment landscape for patients diagnosed with various forms of cancer.

Financial Aspects of the Collaboration

Under the terms of the agreement, Xilio will receive a total of $52 million in upfront payments, which includes a $10 million equity investment. In addition, the company stands to gain up to approximately $2.1 billion in potential contingent payments that are associated with option-related fees and milestones, along with tiered royalties based on future sales of the therapies developed through this collaboration. This significant financial backing underscores the potential this partnership holds in changing the realms of cancer immunotherapy.

Future Prospects in Oncology

AbbVie has set ambitious goals for expanding its research and development efforts within oncology. The company is deeply committed to innovative approaches in immunotherapy that not only aim to enhance patient outcomes but also look to address pressing medical challenges faced by those living with difficult-to-treat cancers. Through a diverse array of investigational therapies targeting various cancer types, AbbVie is dedicated to improving treatment modalities that disrupt cancer cell proliferation or aid in their elimination.

Xilio, focused on tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies, aspires to deliver significant clinical benefits without the adverse systemic effects that are common with traditional treatments. The collaboration with AbbVie will enhance Xilio’s capabilities to accelerate the development of its proprietary pipeline that includes tumor-activated cytokines and immune cell engagers, vital for achieving localized anti-tumor activity within the complex tumor microenvironment.

As this collaboration unfolds, both AbbVie and Xilio's contributions are expected to lead to the formation of next-generation immunotherapies capable of substantially improving the standard of care for cancer patients globally. The innovative approaches being explored indicate a promising future ahead in transforming cancer care through sophisticated biotherapeutic strategies.

To stay updated on their initiatives, Xilio Therapeutics will host an investor conference call today at 8:30 AM EST, where the latest advancements and details of this collaboration will be discussed. Interested parties can access the webcast online for further insights into the partnership and its anticipated impact on the treatment of various cancers.

Conclusion

In a world where cancer remains a formidable challenge, the collaboration between AbbVie and Xilio Therapeutics is a beacon of hope. With their combined knowledge and innovative technologies, they stand on the precipice of redefining the treatment landscape for many patients affected by cancer. As they embark on this journey, the global healthcare community watches closely, hopeful for groundbreaking developments that could one day change the course of cancer treatment.