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Medimmune, Immunocore to evaluate melanoma immunotherapy combinations

AstraZeneca's biologics research and development arm MedImmune has entered into a collaboration with UK-based biotechnology firm Immunocore to conduct clinical trials in immuno-oncology.

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As part of the deal, Immunocore will conduct a Phase Ib/II trial combining MEDI4736 (anti-PD-L1) and/or tremelimumab (anti-CTLA-4) with IMCgp100 to treat patients with metastatic melanoma.

MEDI4736 and/or tremelimumab are MedImmune’s investigational checkpoint inhibitors, while IMCgp100 is Immunocore’s lead T-cell receptor-based investigational therapeutic.

The deal will see development of IMCgp100 in combination with MEDI4736 and/or tremelimumab.

Under the deal, MedImmune will have first right of negotiation for the future commercial development of these combinations for tumors expressing glycoprotein 100 (gp100), a tumor-associated antigen.

The Phase Ib trial will see a dosing regimen for IMCgp100 combined with MEDI4736 and/or tremelimumab, while the Phase II portion will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the different combinations.

In January 2014, the two firms entered into a research collaboration and licensing agreement to develop new cancer therapies using Immunocore’s Immune Mobilising Monoclonal T-Cell Receptor Against Cancer (ImmTAC) technology.

MedImmune Oncology Innovative Medicines unit senior vice-president and head Dr Ed Bradley said: "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."

MEDI4736, tremelimumab and IMCgp100 are members of a new class of cancer treatments called immunotherapies, which are designed to improve the body’s own defenses to combat cancer.


Image: Medimmune and Immunocore will develop dosing regimens for IMCgp100 combined with MEDI4736 and/or tremelimumab for metastatic melanoma. Photo: courtesy of Baitong333/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.