The collaboration creates strong synergies between CureVac’s unique end-to-end capabilities for cancer antigen discovery, mRNA design, and manufacturing, and MD Anderson’s expertise in cancer antigen discovery and validation, translational drug development, and clinical research. The collaboration will focus on the development of differentiated cancer vaccine candidates in selected hematological and solid tumor indications with high unmet medical needs.

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, CureVac and MD Anderson will jointly contribute to and support the development of those programs designated to move forward. CureVac has worldwide exclusive rights to late-stage development, commercialization or partnering of the cancer vaccine candidates. MD Anderson is eligible for certain downstream payments based on potential future commercialization.

Baker McKenzie advised CureVac on all relevant law matters.

The Baker McKenzie team was led by Julia Schieber (partner, healthcare and life sciences) and consisted of Randall B. Sunberg (partner, transactions, New York), Heiko E. Burrow (of counsel, IP, Dallas), Nadine Charrière (associate, IP, Zurich) and Paula Ulmi (trainee lawyer, Zurich).

CureVac inhouse team: Dr. Achim Loehr (Deal Lead, VP BD & Licensing), Dr. Marco Rau (General Counsel), Marcus Dalton (Head of IP), Dr. Christian Ellinger (Director BD & Licensing), Dr. Philipp Bastian (Director Alliance Management)