Cue Biopharma and ImmunoScape have entered an exclusive collaboration and licence agreement to develop a new in vivo cell therapy approach for solid tumours, combining Cue’s Immuno-STAT platform with ImmunoScape’s T cell receptor (TCR) technology.

The partnership will focus on advancing a ‘Seed-and-Boost’ immunotherapy concept designed to expand and activate infused TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-Ts) within patients, aiming to improve efficacy and durability while simplifying manufacturing and reducing toxicity.

Preclinical data have shown promising anti-tumour activity in pancreatic and ovarian cancer models. Investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies are expected to support a submission in 2027.

Under the agreement, ImmunoScape will develop the Seed-and-Boost therapy by pairing Cue’s CUE-100 series of Immuno-STAT biologics with its proprietary TCRs. The CUE-100 molecules are designed to selectively engage and activate disease-specific T cells through targeted TCR binding and controlled interleukin-2 (IL-2) delivery, providing localised immune stimulation without systemic activation.

Usman Azam, chief executive officer of Cue Biopharma, said: “We believe this strategic collaboration with ImmunoScape represents a significant development for treating solid tumours with immunotherapy. It positions the company to focus on our autoimmune disease programmes and continue to advance the Immuno-STAT platform for oncology with our partners at ImmunoScape.”

Michael Fehlings, chief executive officer of ImmunoScape, added: “Based on our extensive preclinical work, we believe this Seed-and-Boost approach will transform T cell therapy for long-term efficacy against a range of solid tumours while avoiding the deleterious side effects of broad immune activation. We aim to transform patients’ lives by enabling superior cell therapy and streamlining the patient journey.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Cue Biopharma will receive an upfront payment of $15 million, split between $10 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $5 million in November 2026. Cue will also take a 40% equity stake in ImmunoScape and is eligible for high single-digit royalties on net sales.