AstraZeneca has revealed its biologics R&D arm MedImmune is to collaborate with Immunocore to conduct clinical trials in immuno-oncology.
Under the terms of the agreement, UK-based biotech Immunocore will conduct a phase Ib and II clinical trial combining MedImmune’s investigational checkpoint inhibitors MEDI4736 and/or tremelimumab with IMCgp100, Immunocore’s lead T-cell receptor based investigational therapeutic, for the potential treatment of patient with metastatic melanoma.
The two companies will establish a dosing regimen for the combination within the phase Ib study. The phase II study will assess the safety and efficacy of the different combinations.
Dr Ed Bradley, senior VP and head of the oncology innovative medicines unit at MedImmune, commented: “We are pleased to expand our partnership with Immunocore, a leader in the discovery and development of novel T-cell receptor-based drugs, to include this combination clinical trial in melanoma.
“Immuno-oncology is a priority area for us and by employing combinations with biological synergies, we believe we have the potential to enhance treatment effectiveness and ultimately to see improved overall survival rates.”
MedImmune will have the first right of negotiation for the future commercial development of these combinations for tumour expressing glycoprotein 100, a tumour-associated antigen.
The firms already have a pre-existing research collaboration and licensing agreement to develop novel cancer therapies using Immunocore’s Immune Mobilising Monoclonal T-Cell Receptior Against Caner (immTAC) technology.
Eliot Forster, CEO of Immunocore, added: “We are excited to deepen our relationship with MedImmune through this combination study agreement.
“We look forward to a successful partnership in the development of novel combination treatments in metastatic melanoma, which we believe have the potential to be best-in-class treatments.”
Earlier this month, AZ’s tremelimumab was granted orphan drug status for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma by the FDA.