Pfizer signs an acquisition deal with Trillium for US$ 2.26 billion

Sep, 2021 - By SMI

The proposed deal increases Pfizer’s Oncology category leadership by adding next-gen, experimental immunotherapy for hematopoietic malignancies.

Pfizer announced, on August 25, 2021, a US$ 2.26 billion acquisition agreement with Trillium, a clinical-phase immuno-oncology firm, to improve its futuristic, experimental immuno-therapeutics pipeline for hematopoietic cells. Trillium's portfolio contains biologics that improve patients' innate immune system’s ability to sense and kill tumor cells, such as two dominant molecules, TTI-621 and TTI-622.

TTI-621 and TTI-622 are two potentially best-grade fusion proteins that restrict the Signal-regulatory protein SIRPa-CD47 axis. SIRPa CD47 is evolving as an important immune barrier in hematological tumors. At present, Trillium possesses the possibly identified SIRPa-CD47 aiming molecules with clinically important monotherapy reactions. Andy Schmeltz, Pfizer Oncology- Global President and General Manager stated that the announcement reinforces their commitment to pursue scientific breakthroughs with the introduction of best grade molecules to their innovative pipeline.

Recent studies using TTI-621 and TTI-622, including Large Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, and Other Lymphoid Malignancies, showed monotherapy activity in recurrent or refractory lymphoid malignancies. In highly pretreated subjects, TTI-622 demonstrated deep and persistent reactions, with two responses. A complete reaction lasted more than two years and still continues.

Pfizer invested US$ 25 million in Trillium in September 2020 as part of Pfizer Breakthrough Growth Initiative (PBGI), and Jeff Settleman, Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Pfizer's Oncology Research and Development department was designated to Trillium's Scientific Advisory Group. The takeover of Trillium will be completed by a statutory arrangement plan in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and is subject to a normal closing terms and conditions including approval of 66⅔ % votes cast at a Trillium special class. The acquisition shall also be subject to judicial and regulatory approval, as well as various other standard closing terms for this kind of transaction.