Astellas adds to ‘off-the-shelf’ cell therapy capabilities with Poseida deal

Astellas Pharma is betting again on cell therapy, announcing Wednesday a deal with Poseida Therapeutics to develop donor-derived treatments for cancer.

Through the partnership, the companies aim to create two allogeneic, or “off-the-shelf,” cell therapies for solid tumors. Astellas will pay Poseida $50 million upfront, and could owe another $550 million if certain milestones are met.