Vertex Pharmaceuticals and AbCellera announced a new collaboration to discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize multispecific T-cell engagers for autoimmune diseases and other conditions. AbCellera will lead discovery and early development using its TCE platform, while Vertex will fund R&D and hold the rights to develop and commercialize the resulting multispecific antibodies. AbCellera receives $28 million in total upfront payments plus preclinical, development, regulatory and commercial milestones, and tiered royalties. The agreement also includes an option for AbCellera to perform cell line development, process development and clinical manufacturing through Phase 1, if the parties agree.