Rondo Therapeutics and Lilly to Develop New CD28 Bispecific Antibodies for Solid Tumors

On December 4, 2024, Rondo Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, announced a new research collaboration and licensing agreement with Eli Lilly and Company. This partnership aims to develop advanced co-stimulatory bispecific antibodies for the treatment of solid tumors by combining Rondo's innovative CD28 co-stimulatory platform with Lilly's extensive expertise in oncology drug development and commercialization.

Rondo Therapeutics specializes in creating next-generation T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies, which are designed to treat solid tumors. The company’s CEO and co-founder, Shelley Force Aldred, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "By merging Rondo’s novel approach to immune T cell engagers with Lilly’s substantial knowledge and resources in oncology, we believe this partnership can significantly influence the treatment of solid tumors. We are eager to work with Lilly on our CD28 platform to further the development of cancer therapies aimed at solid tumors. Together, we aim to fast-track the delivery of new immuno-oncology treatments to patients in need."

As part of the agreement, Rondo Therapeutics will receive an undisclosed upfront cash payment and stands to gain additional development and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties from commercial sales.

Rondo's proprietary platform is centered on CD28-targeting binders that exhibit a wide range of co-stimulatory potencies. This design aims to enhance T cell-mediated tumor destruction and combat T cell exhaustion within the solid tumor microenvironment. Rondo’s platform provides custom-tailored bispecific antibody therapeutics to meet specific tumor targets, indications, and treatment regimens. This approach offers a significant departure from traditional "one size fits all" strategies, thereby unlocking the potential for long-lasting responses in patients with solid tumors.

Rondo Therapeutics is committed to developing bispecific antibody therapies that fill unmet needs in solid tumor treatment. Their innovative approach is supported by prominent investors such as Canaan Partners, Red Tree Venture Capital, Johnson & Johnson, SV Health Investors, and Novo Holdings. Their development pipeline includes immune-engaging bispecific antibodies for a variety of solid tumors, including bladder and ovarian cancers.

The collaboration with Lilly represents a strategic effort to leverage both companies' strengths to bring about effective cancer treatments. By combining Rondo’s cutting-edge science with Lilly's established capabilities in drug development and commercialization, the partnership holds promise for advancing the field of immuno-oncology and delivering new therapeutic options to patients battling solid tumors.