Presage Biosciences, a translational oncology company that uses CIVO and spatial molecular profiling to understand drug response in the tumor microenvironment (TME), entered an agreement with AstraZeneca to evaluate several investigational bispecific antibody combinations in samples taken from head and neck cancer patients. The work will contribute to advancing AstraZeneca’s portfolio of immuno-oncology agents looking to harness the immune system against cancer.

Earlier this month, Presage presented results from a Phase 0 study evaluating Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) alone and in combination with other immune-oncology agents in both soft tissue sarcoma and head and neck cancer. Study data highlight the importance of evaluating novel therapies in patient tumors and revealed a contradiction between results from in-vivo animal studies versus results in the intact TME.

Rich Klinghoffer, CEO of Presage, said, “Prior studies have demonstrated that the CIVO platform provides accurate guidance about the therapeutic potential of novel agents in the only context that matters: Fully intact patient tumors. We are very pleased to be working with an innovator like AstraZeneca and supporting their quest to discover, develop, and deliver transformative medicines to patients.”