Genentech Terminates $2B Cell Therapy Partnership with Adaptive Biotechnologies

Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche, has announced the termination of its $2 billion collaboration with Adaptive Biotechnologies, marking a significant shift in the pharmaceutical giant's cell therapy strategy. The partnership, which began in 2018 and was formally announced in January 2019, focused on developing T cell receptor (TCR)-based therapies for cancer.

Deal Termination Details

The collaboration will officially end on February 9, 2026, as disclosed in Adaptive Biotechnologies' recent SEC filing. Despite the termination, Adaptive will receive $33.7 million in non-cash revenue during the second half of this year. A Genentech spokesperson emphasized that the decision was not based on any emerging safety concerns.

The original agreement included a $300 million upfront payment to Adaptive, with the potential for up to $2 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. The partnership aimed to advance personalized cancer medicines using Adaptive's TruTCR technology, which identifies T-cell receptors recognizing unique cancer antigens.

Genentech's Shifting Focus

This termination follows a pattern of Genentech and its parent company Roche retreating from cell therapy collaborations. In April 2024, Genentech ended a $3 billion cell therapy partnership with Adaptimmune, which had been established in September 2021. Neither of the programs from this collaboration progressed beyond the discovery phase.

Genentech's realignment extends beyond external partnerships. In August 2024, the company shuttered its cancer immunology unit as part of a comprehensive review of its oncology investments. This restructuring led to the integration of cancer immunology R&D activities into the company's molecular oncology efforts and the departure of Ira Mellman, former vice president of Cancer Immunology.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The termination of these high-value partnerships signals a significant shift in Genentech's approach to cell therapy and cancer immunology. This move, coupled with recent layoffs and departmental restructuring, suggests a broader strategic realignment within the company.

Adaptive Biotechnologies remains committed to advancing its TCR discovery platform and is exploring other applications and partnering opportunities. The company is also continuing to develop a T-cell depletion program in autoimmunity.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, these developments highlight the challenges and changing priorities in cell therapy research and development. The coming months may reveal more about Genentech's new direction in oncology and immunotherapy, as well as potential opportunities for companies like Adaptive Biotechnologies to forge new partnerships in the wake of this significant collaboration's end.