GSK pays $23 million upfront for rights to fusion-protein technology

GlaxoSmithKline Plc has agreed to pay $23 million upfront for exclusive access to technology developed by Amplimmune Inc of the US for potential therapies for cancer and other diseases. Specifically, GSK will obtain rights to a molecule targeting the membrane protein, PD-1.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will make the upfront payment, plus commit to up to $485 million in performance-related milestones, including milestones associated with the filing of an investigational new drug application with the Food and Drug Administration for a Phase 1 study of Amplimmune’s lead molecule, AMP-224. Amplimmune may also receive up to double-digit royalties on global sales of the drug. Amplimmune will be responsible for conducting a Phase 1 study of AMP-224 in cancer patients which is expected to begin in 2011.

The two companies will also investigate the mechanism of action of AMP-224 to evaluate its potential in oncology, infectious disease and in vaccine applications.

AMP-224 is a fusion protein that targets a membrane protein known as Programmed Death 1 or PD-1. PD-1 and its ligands play a key role in regulating T-cell mediated immune responses, Amplimmune said in a statement.

High levels of PD-1 on T cells can lead to functional impairment of T cells and ineffective anti-tumour and anti-microbial immunity. Targeting cells with high levels of PD-1 is expected to restore immune function, and eradicate tumours.

Amplimmune was founded in 2007 by scientists from Johns Hopkins University and is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. The company’s technology is based on the concept that drugs must not only engage a T-cell receptor in order to activate T cells, but also stimulate other molecular interactions which amplify the T-cell signal. Besides AMP-224, Amplimmune has a second lead compound in development for autoimmune diseases. The company is funded by InterWest Partners and The Wellcome Trust.

Amplimmune announced its strategic alliance with GSK on 4 August 2010.

Copyright 2010 Evernow Publishing Ltd

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