T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies emerged at ASH as viable competitors for autologous T-cell therapies, but while their off-the-shelf availability is intriguing, it may be too early to say if their safety and efficacy beats CAR-Ts.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Venture Funding Deals column provides a comprehensive monthly review of emerging biopharmaceutical companies that have received venture funding. This month’s column covers deals announced in January and February 2017.

Kite licenses allogeneic cell technology from UCLA that may enable it to create off-the-shelf T-cell therapeutics, augmenting its ongoing development of autologous cancer therapies. See Scrip's monthly update on licensing agreements between companies and universities or other research institutions.

The dealmaking column is a survey of recent transactions, including strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions, and financings, in the life sciences industries. Deals are listed by the following industry sectors: in vitro diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents. All transactions are excerpted from Windhover's Strategic Transactions database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.