Pfizer is to acquire all the outstanding sharers of Trillium, a Canadian clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer, for $2.26 billion.
Trillium’s portfolio includes biologics that are designed to enhance the ability of patients’ innate immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. Its two lead molecules, TTI-622 and TTI-621, block the signal-regulatory protein α (SIRPα)–CD47 axis, which is emerging as a key immune checkpoint in haematological malignancies.
TTI-622 and TTI-621 are novel, potentially best-in-class SIRPα-Fc fusion proteins that are currently in Phase 1b/2 development across several indications, with a focus on haematological malignancies.
“The proposed acquisition of Trillium builds on our strong track record of leadership in Oncology, enhancing our haematology portfolio as we strive to improve outcomes for people living with blood cancers around the globe,” said Andy Schmeltz, Global President & General Manager, Pfizer Oncology.
“Our deep experience in understanding the science of blood cancers, along with the diverse knowledge base we have developed across our growing haematology portfolio of eight approved and investigational therapies, provide us with a foundation to advance these important potential medicines to patients who need them.”
In September 2020, as part of the Pfizer Breakthrough Growth Initiative (PBGI), Pfizer invested $25 million in Trillium and Jeff Settleman, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Pfizer’s Oncology Research & Development Group, was named to Trillium’s Scientific Advisory Board.
Established in June 2020, PBGI’s goal is to provide funding for scientific research as well as access to Pfizer’s experts to ensure the continuity of clinical programs that could be of potential strategic interest for Pfizer. Pfizer has committed to providing up to $500 million in total funding to the PBGI.
