Roche and Inovio Pharmaceuticals have entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement to research, develop and commercialize Inovio’s multi-antigen DNA immunotherapies targeting prostate cancer and hepatitis B. The compounds, currently in preclinical development, have generated promising T-cell responses in animal models.
 
Roche acquired an exclusive license for Inovio’s DNA-based vaccines INO-5150 (targeting prostate cancer) and INO-1800 (targeting hepatitis B), as well as the use of Inovio’s CELLECTRA electroporation technology for delivery of the vaccines. Roche also has the option to license additional vaccine opportunities under a collaborative oncology research program. The two companies will collaborate on further development of INO-5150 and INO-1800.
 
Roche will make an upfront payment of $10 million and will provide preclinical R&D support and payments for near-term regulatory milestones, as well as certain development and commercial milestones, potentially totaling $412.5 million. Inovio is also eligible to receive royalties on product sales.
 
Hy Levitsky, head of Cancer Immunology Experimental Medicine at Roche, said, “At Roche we are always interested in finding first-in-class and best-in-class therapies that may become the next generation treatments for patients with different types of cancer. INO-5150 will allow promising combination opportunities with the Roche portfolio, particularly with our emerging cancer immunotherapy molecules.”
 
“This partnership represents an important milestone in Inovio’s growth and maturing product portfolio. Roche brings to our immunotherapy candidates its leadership position and track record for developing and marketing innovative first-in-class therapies,” said Dr. J. Joseph Kim, Inovio’s president and chief executive officer. “Collaborating with the world’s preeminent oncology development partner allows us to rapidly advance two of our promising near-clinical stage immunotherapy products from our product pipeline.”