Domain Therapeutics and Explicyte enter partnership agreement in immuno-oncology

Domain Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of new drugs targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in immuno-oncology (IO), and Explicyte, an expert in the field of IO and innovative target identification through multiparametric approaches, have signed a partnership agreement.

The two companies will combine their expertise to identify GPCR targets and associated biomarkers to discover and develop breakthrough therapeutic programs for IO, Domain said in its press release, and added that financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

Explicyte has generated proprietary RNA-sequencing-based data from preclinical syngeneic tumor models, enabling it to interrogate and decipher transcriptomics from the tumor and its microenvironment, and to correlate data to the response to prototypical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Data analysis allowed for differential gene expression profiling between animals that respond, or not, to immune checkpoint blockade. Domain Therapeutics has secured exclusive access to Explicyte’s GPCR-related data, the company explained.

For Domain Therapeutics, these results, cross-validated with clinical RNA-sequencing data, constitute a valuable source of GPCR targets for the development of first-in-class innovative immunotherapies associated with biomarkers; to support the development of personalized medicines in immunotherapy. The GPCR-focused company will enrich its proprietary pipeline of programs with brand new GPCR targets aimed at rearming the immune system and potentiating immune checkpoint inhibitor activity, the company said.

“We are very happy to enter into a multi-year collaboration with such a long-standing partner,” said Alban Bessede, CEO of Explicyte. “With this partnership, Explicyte will use its expertise to fuel and support Domain’s GPCR-targeting pipeline in IO – a great opportunity for Explicyte to participate in this immunotherapy revolution.”

“Explicyte brings together a panel of expertise that perfectly fits with Domain’s capabilities and IO deployment strategy,” said Xavier Leroy, CSO of Domain Therapeutics. “Having privileged access to -omics data, to discover the next generation of immunotherapies to tackle GPCR-mediated immunoresistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, has great promise for cancer patients.”

“Domain’s portfolio is evolving towards a clinical stage pipeline with M1069, an A2a/A2b antagonist currently in Phase 1 and developed by Merck, and our proprietary EP4 antagonist DT-9081, due to enter Phase 1 in S2 2022,” added Pascal Neuville, CEO of Domain Therapeutics. “This partnership with Explicyte contributes to expanding Domain’s pipeline, with innovative first-in-class programs. It confirms the worldwide and unique positioning of Domain as the GPCR company in IO.”