Agreement Between InnoCare, KeyMed, and Prolium for CD20xCD3 Bispecific Antibody License
InnoCare Pharma (HKEX: 09969; SSE: 688428) and KeyMed Biosciences (HKEX: 02162) have announced the signing of an exclusive license agreement with Prolium Bioscience (Prolium) for the global development and commercialization of ICP-B02 (CM355), a bispecific antibody targeting CD20 and CD3. This collaboration aims to advance the potential of ICP-B02, a promising therapeutic that redirects and activates T cells to target and destroy tumor cells through T-cell Directed Cellular Cytotoxicity (TDCC). The agreement covers both oncology and non-oncology indications, with a focus on non-oncology markets globally and oncology markets outside of Asia.
ICP-B02 is a bispecific antibody designed to target both CD20, a protein found on the surface of certain tumor cells, and CD3, a protein on T cells. By binding to these two targets, ICP-B02 activates T cells to selectively kill cancerous cells. This innovative approach holds strong promise in various therapeutic areas, with encouraging results seen in early-stage clinical trials.
As per the terms of the agreement, Prolium will gain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, register, and commercialize ICP-B02 in the non-oncology field worldwide and in oncology outside of Asia. This deal includes potential aggregate payments of up to $520 million to InnoCare and KeyMed. These payments are structured across several milestones, including upfront payments, clinical and regulatory achievements, and other future milestones tied to commercial success. Additionally, InnoCare and KeyMed will hold a minority equity stake in Prolium and are eligible for tiered royalties on future sales of ICP-B02 and any resulting products from this collaboration.
Prolium, a Delaware-based company, is supported by RTW Investments, LP, a global investment firm specializing in transformational innovations within the biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. This partnership and Agreement with Prolium is a strategic move to expand the reach of ICP-B02 and accelerate its development in the non-oncology and global oncology markets.
ICP-B02 is currently being evaluated in a Phase I/II clinical trial in China. The trial is focused on patients with relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), aiming to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of the drug. Early results have been promising, particularly in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations of ICP-B02 have shown encouraging anti-tumor activity, offering hope for patients who have limited treatment options. Based on these promising early findings, InnoCare and KeyMed are planning a dose expansion study to evaluate the combination of ICP-B02 with other immunochemotherapies for NHL patients, targeting earlier lines of treatment. The investigational new drug (IND) application for this combination therapy has been approved.
InnoCare is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative drugs for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. With a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs, InnoCare is actively expanding its presence in both China and international markets. The company operates in key cities, including Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and the United States, and is dedicated to bringing first-in-class and best-in-class therapies to patients in need.
KeyMed Biosciences, a company also focused on addressing critical unmet clinical needs, aims to provide high-quality and affordable therapies for patients both in China and globally. Founded by experts with extensive experience in transforming scientific research into commercially viable treatments, KeyMed is committed to advancing innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes.
The collaboration and Agreement between InnoCare, KeyMed, and Prolium is poised to make significant strides in the development of ICP-B02 as a potential game-changer in cancer immunotherapy. With a robust pipeline and strategic partnerships in place, the companies are well-positioned to bring this promising bispecific antibody to patients in need, offering new hope for those battling challenging cancers like NHL. The ongoing clinical trials and future studies will be pivotal in determining the full therapeutic potential of ICP-B02 across a range of oncology and non-oncology indications.
As the global fight against cancer continues, Agreement the combined expertise of InnoCare, KeyMed, and Prolium underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in bringing forward new treatments that could change the landscape of cancer therapy and improve the lives of patients worldwide.
