In a bid to lead the next generation of cancer therapies, Roche’s Genentech has partnered with Affimed for its ROCK® (Redirected Optimised Cell Killing) platform in a deal worth potentially US$5 B. This is one of the largest collaborative licensing deal of all time for a biotech company, providing vital validation for Affimed’s platform, and sending the company’s shares soaring following the announcement of the agreement. For Roche, the deal represents a new impetus for its immuno-oncology drug development strategy.