Eli Lilly and Co. and AstraZeneca have extended their existing immuno-oncology collaboration exploring novel combination therapies for the treatment of solid tumors.
The companies will now evaluate the safety and efficacy of a range of additional combinations across their portfolios. Lilly will lead the studies and both companies will contribute resources. Additional details and financial terms, were not disclosed.

AZ’s anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, durvalumab (MEDI4736), will be combined with Lilly molecules that target the immune system, including: TGF-beta kinase inhibitor, galunisertib, CXCR4 peptide antagonist, and an anti-CSF-1R monoclonal antibody, which will also be assessed with AZ’s anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, tremelimumab.
The companies will also explore other combinations targeting tumor drivers and resistance mechanisms, including: Lilly’s abemaciclib with Faslodex, AZ’s marketed selective estrogen receptor down regulator (SERD), and both CYRAMZA and necitumumab, Lilly’s anti-VEGFR and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, respectively, with AZD9291, AZ’s investigational third-generation EGFR inhibitor. 

Richard Gaynor, M.D., senior vice president, product development and medical affairs for Lilly Oncology, said, “The expansion of Lilly’s research partnership with AstraZeneca will explore the far-reaching potential of combining novel targeted therapies. Our respective pipelines afford multiple targeted options to create innovative combinations in immuno-oncology and beyond, that we hope will lead to future cancer treatment options.”

Mondher Mahjoubi, senior vice president, global product strategy for oncology at AstraZeneca, said, “The extension of our collaboration with Lilly further supports our combination-focused oncology strategy and adds to our broad development program across small molecules and immunotherapies.”

Earlier this year, the companies entered a Phase I clinical trial collaboration to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of combining durvalumab and ramucirumab as a treatment for patients with advanced solid tumors.