Amidst cut-throat competition within the immuno-oncology space, Genentech aims to reinforce the potential of its anti-PD-L1 drug,Tecentriq® (atezolizumab), through a worldwide collaboration with German biotech, BioNTech, to develop combinations with its personalised mRNA vaccines. The vaccines are based on BioNTech’s proprietary IVAC® (Individualized Vaccines Against Cancer) Mutanome platform. BioNTech is entitled to a payment of up to US$310 M, along with equal splits for developmental costs, profit sharing for certain programmes, clinical manufacturing and co-promotion rights in some geographies.