New oncology deal for Immunocore

Biotechnology company Immunocore has entered into an oncology research collaboration and licensing agreement with MedImmune to research and develop novel cancer therapies using Immunocore’s ImmTAC technology. ImmTAC (Immune Mobilising Monoclonal T-Cell receptor Against Caner) exploits the power of the body’s own immune system to find and kill diseased cells. Under the agreement, the two will work together to generate ImmTACs against selected cancer targets. MedImmune – the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZenica – will have the right to further develop and commercialise ImmTac products to add to their immune-mediated cancer therapy portfolio. As a result, Immunocore will receive and upfront payment of £20m per programme and is eligible for $300m in development and commercial milestone payments for each target programme and significant tiered royalties is successful. “We are delighted to be collaborating with MedImmune, a leader in the development of biotherapeutics with particular strengths in oncology,” said James Nobel, Chief Executive Officer of 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 patient.”