On October 6, 2016 Vaccinex, Inc. reported it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, to evaluate VX15/2503, an investigational humanized anti-semaphorin 4D IgG4 monoclonal antibody, in combination with avelumab*, an investigational fully human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not previously received immunotherapy (Press release, Vaccinex, OCT 6, 2016, View Source [SID:SID1234515654]). Vaccinex will be responsible for conducting the planned Phase Ib/II clinical trial.
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"Immunotherapies have shown promise in how we treat cancer, and the investigation of combination therapies may uncover additional possibilities. We look forward to working with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to explore how we can bring the potential of immunotherapy to more patients, especially considering a
Phase 1 study of monotherapy with VX15/2503 in patients with solid tumors has already suggested its potential for use in combination therapies," said Dr. Maurice Zauderer, CEO of Vaccinex.
In preclinical studies, anti-semaphorin 4D antibodies have been shown to increase infiltration of tumoricidal immune cells while simultaneously reducing multiple types of immunosuppressive cells in tumors. Anti-semaphorin 4D antibody was found to synergize with a checkpoint inhibitor antibody to promote tumor eradication.
"Non-small cell lung cancer continues to be one of the most challenging of cancers worldwide, and we believe in investigating promising avenues to address this need," said Alise Reicin, M.D., Head of Global Clinical Development in the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "Through this partnership with Vaccinex, we are exploring an innovative combination with avelumab that we hope will provide a new option for patients with this deadly cancer."
Further details of the collaboration were not disclosed.
*Avelumab is jointly developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Pfizer.
About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Globally, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the second most common in women1, responsible for more deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined.2 NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 80 to 85 percent of all lung cancers.3 The five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other areas of the body is 4 percent.4
About Avelumab
Avelumab (also known as MSB0010718C) is an investigational, fully human antibody specific for a protein found on tumor cells called PD-L1, or programmed death ligand-1. Avelumab is thought to have a dual mechanism of action which may enable the immune system to find and attack cancer cells. By binding to PD-L1, avelumab is thought to prevent tumor cells from using PD-L1 for protection against white blood cells such as T-cells, exposing them to anti-tumor responses. Avelumab may also help white blood cells such as natural killer (NK) cells find and attack tumors in a process known as ADCC, or antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In November 2014, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, the science and technology company, and Pfizer announced a strategic alliance to co-develop and co-commercialize avelumab.