GlaxoSmithKline has selected a third target under its ongoing oncology discovery collaboration with Immunocore Ltd. for multiple novel targets not addressable with antibody-based technologies. Immunocore will generate a novel ImmTAC molecule against the selected target which is relevant in multiple cancers. 

This is the third program to be initiated as part of the discovery collaboration from 2013. Immunocore is currently working on two other ImmTAC programmes under the agreement. The lead program is on track for an Investigational New Drug (IND) this year with potential application in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), bladder cancer, synovial sarcoma, melanoma and ovarian cancer. 

Dr. Bent Jakobsen, chief scientific officer at Immunocore, said, “The initiation of this new programme adds to a growing body of evidence that our ImmTAC technology has real potential to generate novel, potent drug candidates against disease targets which are difficult to address with other biologic platforms. ImmTAC molecules are relevant across a wide range of cancer types and have the ability to tackle solid ‘cold’, low mutation rate tumours – the majority of tumours which are difficult for other immuno-oncology drugs to address. We look forward to beginning work on this additional programme with GSK in oncology.”

Dr. Axel Hoos, senior vice president Therapeutic Area Head Oncology R&D Head, Immuno-Oncology at GSK, added, “We are pleased with the progress made in our ongoing collaboration with Immunocore and are excited to add a yet another target to the programme.  ImmTAC molecules have great potential among the third generation of immuno-oncology agents and we look forward to seeing this promising program progress.”