Wow... Mesoblast and Billionaire Soon-Shiong is working together. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2020/08/27/the-inside-story-of-biotechs-barnum-and-his-covid-cures/#1556de62208aThe third weapon NantKwest and ImmunityBio are developing to combat Covid-19 involves the use of mesenchymal stem cells, which are derived from bone marrow. This type of stem cell has been investigated over the past decade for diseases—like Covid-19—that can cause the body’s immune system to go into overdrive and attack itself. This treatment would be for the most severely sick Covid-19 patients, who are experiencing a “cytokine storm,” in which the immune system overreacts. Small-scale studies have suggested this might be an effective treatment, and several companies,including Melbourne, Australia–based Mesoblast, are already in late-stage clinical trials for severe Covid-19 patients. Soon-Shiong’s companies are working with hospitals to recruit patients for human trials. Nantkwest Inc (NASDAQ:NK) and ImmunityBio Agree to Jointly Develop, Manufacture, Market and Commercialize Therapeutics and COVID-19 Related Vaccines
https://biopharmajournal.com/2020/09/01/nantkwest-inc-nasdaqnk-and-immunitybio-agree-to-jointly-develop-manufacture-market-and-commercialize-therapeutics-and-covid-19-related-vaccines/Product Candidates Currently in Development under the Agreement
“The agreement strengthens the efforts of both companies on behalf of patients, while also ensuring each company will earn a fair share of the returns of a successful product,” the CEO of NantKwest and ImmunityBio, Patrick Soon-Shiong explained.
Indeed with the severity and global nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to develop new ways to fight it increases. The duo’s agreement targets two candidates; mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapeutic and a COVID-19 vaccine product. They are both under development, and the former, which is from NantKwest, is expected to reduce the extent of time a seriously sick patient spends on a ventilator.
Net profits from the successful commercialization of any product will be shared at a 60-40% basis. The company, which developed the product will take the biggest share.
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