Innate Pharma SA (Euronext Paris: IPH; Nasdaq: IPHA) and the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI) have entered into a strategic partnership to investigate the potential of IPH6501, Innate’s anti-CD20 ANKET® (Antibody-based NK cell Engager Therapeutics), in the treatment of follicular lymphoma (FL). The collaboration will involve clinical studies as part of Innate’s ongoing Phase 1/2 trial, which is already assessing IPH6501’s safety, tolerability, and early-stage anti-cancer activity in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
The Phase 1/2 study, which is open-label and multicenter, will now include FL patients who have relapsed or are refractory to conventional therapies. IFLI is supporting the trial by investing an initial $3 million into new shares of Innate at a price of €1.56 per share, representing 2.26% of Innate’s share capital. Additionally, IFLI may contribute up to $4.9 million more, contingent on the achievement of certain milestones, with the share price for those future investments to be determined at the time.
Dr. Sonia Quaratino, Chief Medical Officer of Innate Pharma, commented on the partnership, stating that Innate Pharma is dedicated to advancing research and treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She added that the collaboration with IFLI would further their mission to bring forward novel therapies for this patient population, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for those with lymphoma.
Dr. Michel Azoulay, Chief Medical Officer of IFLI, expressed confidence in the potential of IPH6501 for improving outcomes in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including FL. He emphasized that the partnership would not only support the clinical investigation of IPH6501 in FL patients but also lay the groundwork for the future development of the drug. Azoulay noted that IFLI’s philanthropic investments are crucial in accelerating treatment innovation in follicular lymphoma and could serve as a model for similar collaborations.
About the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI)
IFLI is a global non-profit organization focused on advancing the development of innovative treatments for follicular lymphoma. Through grants, partnerships, and venture investments, IFLI supports cutting-edge research and technology aimed at improving the understanding of FL biology and facilitating the commercialization of novel therapeutics and biomarkers. The organization fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, clinicians, and institutions dedicated to FL research.
About Innate Pharma
Innate Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of immunotherapies for cancer. Utilizing its proprietary ANKET® platform, Innate Pharma targets cancer cells using natural killer (NK) cells. The company’s pipeline includes treatments such as lacutamab for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and monalizumab in collaboration with AstraZeneca for non-small cell lung cancer. Headquartered in Marseille, France, with a U.S. office in Rockville, MD, Innate Pharma is listed on Euronext Paris and Nasdaq.
