AstraZeneca, Innate Pharma Partner

AstraZeneca and MedImmune, the company's global biologics research and development arm, have entered into a collaboration to accelerate and broaden the development of Innate Pharma SA's proprietary anti-NKG2A antibody, IPH2201, including in combination with MEDI4736, an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor developed by MedImmune. Currently in Phase II development, IPH2201 is a potential first-in-class humanized IgG4 antibody. NKG2A is a checkpoint receptor that inhibits the anti-cancer functions of Natural Killer (NK) and cytotoxic T-cells.

The initial development plan includes: Phase II combination clinical trials with MEDI4736 in solid tumors; multiple Phase II trials planned by Innate to study IPH2201 both as monotherapy and in combination with currently approved treatments across a range of cancers; and the development of associated biomarkers. The combination of IPH2201 with MEDI4736 adds to the broad program of immuno-oncology combination trials that AstraZeneca and MedImmune have planned and underway. The studies aim to address multiple immune pathways.

Under the terms of the agreements, AstraZeneca will make an initial payment to Innate of $250 million, which includes the consideration for exclusive global rights to co-develop and commercialise IPH2201 in combination with MEDI4736, as well as access to IPH2201 in monotherapy and other combinations in certain treatment areas. AstraZeneca will pay a further $100 million prior to initiation of Phase III development, as well as additional regulatory and sales-related milestones. AstraZeneca will book all sales and will pay Innate double-digit royalties on net sales. The arrangement includes the right for Innate to co-promote in Europe for a 50% profit share in the territory.

The transaction is subject to customary terms and conditions, including the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, and is expected to become effective in the second quarter of 2015.

Source: AstraZeneca

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