Tempest secures option to license Senlang's CD7 lentiviral in vivo CAR-T platform
The option, signed September 14, 2026, covers a BCMA/GPRC5D dual-targeting candidate now in Phase 1 for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
Tempest Therapeutics, Inc. entered into an exclusive collaboration, option and license agreement with Hebei Senlang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. on September 14, 2026, according to an 8-K filed with the SEC. Under the deal, Senlang granted Tempest an exclusive option, exercisable within four months, to obtain an exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable license to develop and commercialize Senlang's in vivo CAR-T technology worldwide excluding Greater China.1 Tempest announced the agreement in a press release issued September 15, 2026.
The option covers Senlang's CD7-targeted lentiviral vector platform and a portfolio of in vivo CAR-T product candidates, including a BCMA/GPRC5D dual-targeting candidate currently in Phase 1 dose escalation for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, along with additional candidates for hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.1
Early clinical observations at the current highest evaluable dose showed successful generation and expansion of CAR-T cells in vivo. As of August 25, 2026, no Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome had been observed, and the company said the initial safety profile supports continued dose escalation, with enrollment and follow-up ongoing.1
On deal terms, if Tempest exercises the option, upon payment of an exercise fee of approximately $447,000, the license would require the company to pay a nomination fee for each Selected Licensed Product, annual maintenance fees escalating from $10 million to $14 million over the first three years, a 6% royalty on net sales, and a share of sublicense revenue, along with commitments to develop and commercialize at least one licensed product and meet specified milestones.1 The agreement also gives each party a right of first negotiation for Greater China rights and includes standard termination provisions.1
Tempest said it and Senlang will keep evaluating the Phase 1 results and broader portfolio during the option period, and that it expects to share more information as clinical data mature.1
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