MedImmune, AstraZeneca’s biologics R&D arm, has entered into a research collaboration and licensing agreement with Immunocore to research and develop novel cancer therapies using Immunocore’s Immune Mobilizing Monoclonal T-Cell Receptor Against Cancer (ImmTAC) technology. The ImmTACs platform uses the body’s immune system to find and kill diseased cells. ImmTACs direct T cells to destroy only cancerous cells, avoiding damage to healthy cells.
 
Immunocore and MedImmune will work to generate ImmTACs against selected cancer targets, and AstraZeneca and MedImmune will have the right to further develop and commercialize ImmTAC products. Immunocore will receive an upfront payment of $20 million per program and is eligible to receive as much as $300 million in development and commercial milestones for each target, as well as royalties on sales.
 
“We look forward to collaborating with Immunocore on this promising area of cancer research that has the potential to further enhance our immune-mediated cancer therapy portfolio for patients with a range of cancer types,” said Dr. Bahija Jallal, executive vice president, MedImmune. “Immunocore has a strong track record with its innovative ImmTAC technology, and presents a significant opportunity for us to achieve treatment breakthroughs in the area of immune-mediated cancer therapies.”
 
“We are delighted to be collaborating with MedImmune, a leader in the development of biotherapeutics with particular strengths in oncology,” said James Noble, chief executive officer, Immunocore. “We look forward to working together to develop ImmTAC therapies against cancer targets and address the unmet medical needs of many thousands of cancer patients.”