A T Cell Receptor (TCR) biotechnology specialist Immunocore Limited, has entered into a new partnership with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to expand an existing discovery collaboration.
Immunovore said in a Monday press release it will now with Genentech co-develop its therapeutic candidate IMC-C103C, an ImmTAC molecule targeting tumours that express the protein MAGE-A4 (Melanoma-Associated Antigen A4).
As said in the press release, Immunocore will lead the first-in-human clinical trial to establish safety and preliminary efficacy of IMC-C103C as both monotherapy and in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq), in a clinical trial, which is to begin in 2019. Furthermore, Genentech will pay Immunocore $100 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments, Immunovore said.
Andrew Hotchkiss, CEO of Immunocore,said: “MAGE-A4 is a known cancer-associated antigen expressed in a wide range of malignancies. Genentech is a leader in oncology with extensive immunology expertise, with whom we’ve had a good collaborative relationship for several years. We look forward to embarking upon this new partnership to investigate whether IMC-C103C could ultimately improve the lives of people with MAGE-A4 positive cancers.”
James Sabry, Global Head of Pharma Partnering, Roche, said: “We’ve had a very productive collaboration with Immunocore since we began our initial partnership in 2013.We’re excited to move this first molecule forward, both as a single agent and in combination with Tecentriq, and to further explore the role of T cell receptor-directed medicines in fighting cancer.”