Cooley advised NewLink Genetics Corporation in its negotiations with Genentech that resulted in an exclusive worldwide license agreement for the development of NLG919, NewLink’s cancer immunotherapy. The agreement also calls for NewLink and Genentech to engage in a research collaboration for the discovery of next generation IDO/TDO compounds, which represent potential breakthrough approaches to cancer therapy.

NewLink is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel immunotherapeutics to improve treatment options for patients with cancer. Immunotherapies are a class of drugs designed to help the body’s own immune system fend off disease.

Under the terms of the agreement, Genentech will make a $150 million upfront payment to NewLink. NewLink is also eligible to receive in excess of $1 billion in milestone payments based on achievement of certain predetermined milestones. The agreement also provides for the payment to NewLink of escalating double-digit royalties on potential commercial sales of multiple products by Genentech.

The Cooley life sciences partnering team that advised NewLink included partners Marya Postner and Robert Jones, and associates Tracy Harrison and Rena Kaminsky. Critical support for the transaction was provided by corporate partner James Linfield; antitrust partner Francis Fryscak; and life sciences regulatory partner Natasha Leskovsek.