On May 5, 2020 Crescendo Biologics Ltd (Crescendo), the developer of novel, targeted, T cell enhancing therapeutics, and Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research, reported a Clinical Development Partnership to progress one of Crescendo’s novel bispecific Humabody immunotherapies, CB213, into clinical trials targeting cancers of high unmet medical need (Press release, Crescendo Biologics, MAY 5, 2020, View Source [SID1234556987]).
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Under the terms of the agreement, Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development will sponsor and fund a future Phase I clinical trial for CB213, in patients with solid tumours. Crescendo retains the right to further develop the CB213 immunotherapy programme, by licensing the results of the trial from Cancer Research UK for an undisclosed amount, success-based milestones and royalty payments.
CB213, a novel bispecific PD-1 x LAG-3 antagonist, is a next-generation checkpoint inhibitor, which has been designed to deliver safer, more effective therapeutic intervention in patients with cancers resistant or refractory to PD-1 blockade alone. In preclinical testing, CB213 has demonstrated potent dual checkpoint blockade and the ability to enhance the activity of dysfunctional patient-derived T cells.
Theodora Harold, CEO of Crescendo Biologics, said:
"We are delighted to be collaborating with the world-renowned institution of Cancer Research UK to advance our CB213 programme. Cancer Research UK’s endorsement of our science demonstrates important validation of our Humabody technology and provides an opportunity to accelerate our CB213 programme into the clinic. CB213 is a promising therapeutic candidate for treating patients with solid tumours, where conventional or combination immunotherapies have failed. We look forward to working with the team at Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development."
Dr Nigel Blackburn, Cancer Research UK’s Director of Drug Development, said:
"We’re proud to be working with Crescendo at the forefront of oncology innovation and cancer drug development. By combining our expertise, we’re able to accelerate the development of this promising experimental treatment, bringing it to patients with cancers that are hard to treat."