DUBLIN – Biontech AG has propelled itself to the front rank of immuno-oncology companies by virtue of a T-cell receptor (TCR) discovery deal with Eli Lilly and Co., under which it is getting $30 million up front plus another $30 million equity investment in its subsidiary firm, Biontech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, as well as $300 million in per-product milestones attached to whatever therapies may emerge from the alliance.