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news.MedImmune, a global biologics R&D arm of AstraZeneca, has entered into a license agreement and collaboration with Inovio Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology firm that develops DNA-based immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases.
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As part of the deal, MedImmune will have exclusive rights to Inovio’s INO-3112 immunotherapy, which targets cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 that are responsible for more than 70% of cervical pre-cancers and cancers.
Currently, INO-3112 is being evaluated in Phase I/II trials for cervical and head and neck cancers and it works by generating killer T-cell responses that are able to destroy HPV 16- and 18-driven tumors.
The company now intends to examine INO-3112 in combination with selected immunotherapy molecules within its pipeline in HPV-driven cancers.
According to reports, the benefits from immuno-oncology molecules, such as those in MedImmune’s portfolio, can be improved when they are used in combination with cancer vaccines that generate tumor-specific T-cells.
The deal will see MedImmune make an upfront payment of $27.5m to Inovio as well as potential future payments upon reaching development and commercial milestones totaling up to $700m.
Development costs will be funded by MedImmune, while Inovio is also entitled to secure up to double-digit tiered royalties on INO-3112 product sales.
The two firms will develop up to two additional DNA-based cancer vaccine products not included in Inovio’s current product pipeline, which MedImmune will have the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize.
MedImmune Oncology Innovative Medicines unit head and senior vice-president David Berman said: "Today’s collaboration with Inovio leverages our deep internal expertise in the use of vaccines to drive antigen-specific T-cell responses.
"The unique combination of our broad immuno-oncology portfolio with Inovio’s T-cell-activating INO-3112, which enhances cancer specific killer T-cells, has the potential to deliver real clinical benefits for patients."
The new agreement builds on the existing partnership between the two firms on two research and development collaborations in the infectious disease area.
Image: High grade dysplasia (carcinoma in situ) in the uterine cervix. Photo: courtesy of Haymanj.