AstraZeneca, MedImmune and Innate Pharma to combine MEDI4736 and IPH 2201 in cancer treatments.

AstraZeneca and MedImmune, the Company’s global biologics research and development arm, announced that they have entered into a collaboration to accelerate and broaden the development of Innate Pharma SA’s proprietary anti-NKG2A antibody, IPH 2201, including in combination with MEDI4736, an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor developed by MedImmune. The initial development plan includes: Phase II combination clinical trials with MEDI4736 in solid tumours; multiple Phase II trials planned by Innate to study IPH 2201 both as monotherapy and in combination with currently approved treatments across a range of cancers; and the development of associated biomarkers.

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 IPH 2201 in combination with MEDI4736, as well as access to IPH 2201 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.