Immutep and Lonza entered an agreement for cell line selection, master cell banking and process development of ImmuFact IMP321. Lonza will initiate the process development for the product using Immutep’s newly developed cell lines. IMP321 has been studied in Phase I/II trials as an oral presentation in a chemo-immunotherapy protocol in first-line metastatic breast cancer.
 
“We are pleased to support Immutep’s development initiatives,” said Janet White, head of Lonza development services. “This partnership directly reflects Lonza’s commitment to emerging biotechnology innovation through its clinical milestones.”
 
IMP321 has potential for the treatment of advanced cancer in combination with standard first-line chemotherapy. IMP321 is an antigen presenting cell (APC) activator, which contributes to tumor regression.
 
“We have every confidence in Lonza to carry out the production for pivotal trials and beyond,” said Dr. Frederic Triebel, scientific and medical director of Immutep. “We think that the combination of first-line standard chemotherapy plus IMP321 should be tested in several first-line indications. We are in partnering discussions at present.”