Strategic Collaboration with AstraZeneca
Cellectis announced the start of three research and development programs under its collaboration with AstraZeneca, including allogeneic CAR T for hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and an in vivo gene therapy for a genetic disorder. AstraZeneca also completed an additional equity investment of $140 million in Cellectis.
Financial Stability and Cash Runway
Cellectis drew down the last tranches of a €40 million credit facility with the European Investment Bank and reported that their cash runway allows operations to be funded into mid-2027. As of December 31, 2024, the company had $264 million in cash, cash equivalents, and fixed term deposits, up from $156 million the previous year.
FDA and European Commission Designations
The FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease status to UCART22, and the European Commission granted Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of relapse or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Advancements in Clinical Trials
Cellectis expects to present Phase 1 data for UCART22 and UCART20x22 in 2025, with plans to open Phase 2 studies in Q4 2025. Recruitment for the BALLI-01 study evaluating UCART22 has progressed well.
Positive Financial Performance
Thanks to the AstraZeneca collaboration, $47 million were received up to year-end 2024, including $22 million from development milestones.
Promising Innovation in CAR T Strategies
Cellectis showcased promising CAR T strategies utilizing TALEN gene editing technology, with preclinical data presented at major conferences and publications in scientific journals.