Singapore: Eli Lilly has partnered with German firm, BioNTech, to discover novel cancer immunotherapies through body's own immune system to attack cancer cells and create possible new treatment options for cancer patients.

Leveraging the scientific expertise between the two organizations, Lilly and BioNTech will collaborate to identify and validate novel tumor targets and their corresponding T cell receptors (TCRs) in one or more types of cancer. These tumor targets and TCRs may then be engineered and developed into potent and selective cancer therapies.

"In the past few years, we have seen some amazing breakthroughs in immuno-oncology; however, we believe these are just the tip of the iceberg," said Dr Greg Plowman, vice president, Lilly Oncology Research. "Lilly's partnership with BioNTech represents the next wave of cancer immunotherapy and is focused on the identification of functional T cell receptors that can be used to redirect a patient's natural immune system to fight cancer."

Mr Ugur Sahin, CEO, BioNTech, said, "We are very pleased to collaborate with a leading oncology company such as Lilly. Lilly's expertise and track record make it an ideal collaborator for both companies to leverage the full power of BioNTech's functional T cell receptor technologies to develop novel cancer therapies that harness the immune system." He further added, "This alliance is in line with our strategy to collaborate with companies that have a similar fascination, drive and commitment in developing and commercializing truly innovative and disruptive immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer."