Genentech Abandons $2 Billion Collaborative Venture With Adaptive Biotechnologies
Genentech has announced the termination of its partnership with Adaptive Biotechnologies, effective February 9, 2026. The collaboration, initiated in 2018, aimed to develop personalized cancer cell therapies using Adaptive's T-cell receptor (TCR) technology.
The decision was made as part of Genentech's broader strategy of downsizing and cost-cutting, with no emerging safety concerns driving the decision. This move signals a significant shift for both companies: Genentech stepping back from this cancer cell therapy avenue amid strategic portfolio changes, and Adaptive gaining flexibility to pursue its technology independently or through new partnerships.
The partnership agreement included a $300 million upfront payment and a promise of up to $2 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. However, with the partnership's end, Adaptive will now receive $33.7 million in non-cash revenue during the second half of this year.
Adaptive Biotechnologies and Genentech first partnered in 2018 to advance T cell receptor-based therapies for cancer. The companies had planned to work on up to five cancer targets, but neither the Adaptimmune nor the Genentech collaboration progressed past the discovery phase.
In a related development, Genentech shuttered its cancer immunology unit in August last year amid a sweeping review of the subsidiary's oncology investments. This move followed the departure of Ira Mellman, former vice president of Cancer Immunology, from Genentech.
Despite the termination of the partnership, Adaptive Biotechnologies remains committed to advancing its TCR discovery and other immunology programs. The company has expressed its readiness to explore new opportunities independently.
For more information, Tristan Manalac, a representative for the news source, can be contacted via Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Email, and Print. Adaptive Biotechnologies can also be reached via the same channels.
Notably, Roche discontinued two Phase I TCR assets that were being tested for solid tumors in its first-quarter 2023 report. In a separate development, Roche ended its $3 billion cell therapy collaboration with Adaptimmune in April 2024. The first Investigational New Drug clearance under the Adaptive Biotechnologies and Genentech partnership was secured in May 2023.
[References] [1] Genentech Press Release [2] Adaptive Biotechnologies Press Release [3] Fierce Biotech Article
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