MedImmune and Immunocore collaborate on immuno-oncology clinical trials

MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN), has entered into a collaboration to conduct immuno-oncology clinical trials with privately-held UK biotech company Immunocore.

Immunocore will conduct a Phase Ib/II clinical trial combining MedImmune’s investigational checkpoint inhibitors MEDI4736 (anti-PD-L1) and/or tremelimumab (anti-CTLA-4) with Immunocore’s lead T-cell receptor-based investigational therapeutic, IMCgp100. This has been developed for the potential treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. MedImmune and Immunocore have an exclusive relationship for the development of IMCgp100 in combination with MEDI4736 and/or trememlimumab, and MedImmune will have first right of negotiation for any future commercial development of these combinations for tumors expressing glycoprotein 100, a tumor-associated antigen.

The companies will collaborate to establish a dosing regimen for IMCgp100 combined with MEDI4736 and/or tremelimumab in the Phase Ib study. The Phase II study will be carried out to assess the safety and efficacy of combinations.