Biotechnology companies CollPlant and United Therapeutics Corporation have signed an agreement on licensing, development and commercialization of 3D bioprinted lungs for transplantation. These companies will leverage their respective expertise: CollPlant will provide its proprietary recombinant human collagen (rhCollagen) and bioink technology, while United Therapeutics will leverage its expertise in regenerative medicine and organ manufacturing to print bioprinted lungs commercialize.
Introducing CollPlant technology to the United States
The detailed rules of the partnership stipulate that Lung Biotechnology PBC, a subsidiary of United Therapeutics, will receive an exclusive license for CollPlant's bioprinting technology for bioprinted lung transplantation using RhCollagen-based BioInk.
It is worth noting that Israel-based CollPlant will produce and supply biomaterials for United Therapeutics for "several years" until United Therapeutics has established its own US plant to produce RhPlanolla and BioInk for CollPlant. Throughout the facility, CollPlant said it will provide technical support to United Therapeutics.
Although United Therapeutics will initially focus on the production of transplantable bioprinted lungs, the company has the opportunity to explore CollPlant's bioink technology for up to three organs. Compared to other important organs such as the heart and liver, the lungs are arguably closer to commercialization and seem to be a reasonable place to start collaborating.
Financial terms
As part of the license agreement, United Therapeutics will pay CollPlant a $ 5 million upfront payment and up to $ 15 million in installments-this amount will be determined based on the progress of the operational and regulatory stages of 3D bioprinted lungs.
If United Therapeutics does eventually explore bioprinting of other organ types, CollPlant is also eligible for installments of up to $ 15 million. The agreement also includes up to $ 9 million in operating payment options.
Finally, CollPlant will receive royalties for the sale of any commercialized product covered by the company's licensed patents, as well as reimbursement of certain expenses.
Strategic Bioprinting Partnership
"We strongly believe that our proprietary and proven rhCollagen is the best building block currently available for regenerative medical stents and will play a key role in organ manufacturing," said Yehiel Tal, CEO of CollPlant. Pioneer, United Therapeutics is our perfect partner. "
"This strategic agreement is a major achievement for CollPlant as it aligns us with global leaders, validates our technology and creates value for shareholders. We are honored to have this important partnership with United Therapeutics and look forward to Work together to bring regenerative organs to humanity. "
Dr. Martine Rothblatt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Therapeutics, added: "We are pleased to partner with CollPlant's Israeli technology excellence to transform tobacco plants associated with lung disease into collagen-expressing plants, which is critical for production. Get an unlimited number of transplantable lungs. "
CollPlant has developed a technology that uses tobacco plants to produce collagen. They achieved this by genetically engineering tobacco seedlings to obtain the five human genes needed to produce collagen. Of course, collagen is the most common protein in mammals and the main component of connective tissue. Being able to use plant-regenerated collagen is important for the future of bioprinting.
CollPlant has raised significant investments and funding over the past few years-including $ 8 million in May this year-to advance its innovative bioprinting materials. The licensing agreement with United Therapeutics marks an important step forward for bioprinted organs, especially the lungs.