Catalent has signed a global, non-exclusive license agreement with Lisata Therapeutics, securing rights to use Lisata’s proprietary certepetide peptide and its analogs in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) developed on Catalent’s SMARTag® technology platform. Certepetide, classified as an internalizing RGD (iRGD) peptide, is designed to enhance tumor targeting and penetration when combined with cytotoxic payloads, potentially improving the selectivity and therapeutic effect of ADCs for hard-to-treat solid tumors.
Under the agreement, Catalent will have the ability to develop and commercialize bioconjugate products containing certepetide as part of its expanding ADC pipeline, as well as partner with external developers. Lisata is eligible to receive over $10 million in milestone payments based on tiered study initiations, along with a revenue-sharing arrangement on any future product sales or partnerships arising from the collaboration. While preclinical data generated by Catalent suggest that integrating iRGD peptides may improve ADC efficacy and pharmacokinetics, the partnership remains at an early stage, with proof-of-concept data set to be presented at the World ADC conference in San Diego this November.
The deal marks a new step for Catalent as it seeks to broaden its portfolio in the competitive and rapidly evolving field of targeted biologics, reflecting continuing industry interest in ADC innovation and advanced drug delivery technologies.