Igenica signs oncology research deal with AstraZeneca’s MedImmune

The companies will assess the potential of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting Surface Antigen in Leukemia (SAIL).

SAIL is a novel cell surface protein with high prevalence of expression in several hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

Preclinical data have supported the selective targeting of tumors expressing SAIL with ADCs, Igenica said.

Igenica will provide its anti-SAIL antibodies, including IGN786, and its SNAP ADC drug linker, while MedImmune will contribute its anti-tumor payload.

Both the companies will then jointly investigate the resulting novel ADC in preclinical studies.

MedImmune will have an option to an exclusive worldwide license to anti-SAIL antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates that arise from the partnership.

Igenica will have an exclusive option fee. If MedImmune exercises its option, the company will also receive an upfront license fee, clinical, regulatory and commercialization milestones, and royalties on net sales.

The development and commercialization costs will be funded by MedImmune under a license agreement.

Igenica Biotherapeutics chief business officer John Celebi said: "This agreement provides a strong opportunity to realize the potential value of IGN786 and complements our strategy focused on targeting drugs to block the immunosuppressive activities of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment to reinvigorate or activate de novo anti-tumor responses."