Ipsen finds a MAIT in Biomunex

GPC3 is a hot target, but Ipsen thinks it’s found a way to stand out. On Tuesday the French group licensed Biomunex’s preclinical T-cell engager BMX-502, whose unique selling point is that it claims to recruit a subset of so-called mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. The companies hope this could address problems with regular T-cell engagers, including cytokine release syndrome and activation of immune-suppressing T regulatory cells; however, they are some way off proving this. A spokesperson for Ipsen, which will be in charge of phase 1 preparation activities, wouldn’t say when the project might enter the clinic. The up-front fee was also undisclosed, but the deal could total $610m, including milestones. Various other GPC3 bispecifics are already ahead, according to OncologyPipeline, and AstraZeneca recently disclosed a CD8-guided T-cell engager, AZD9793, which it reckons could be better than conventional formats. Ipsen itself might already be looking at GPC3, via an ADC licensed from Foreseen Biotechnology in July. However, the main excitement around this target has come via Car-T, notably AbelZeta's C-CAR031 and AstraZeneca’s AZD5851. Ipsen’s other deals this year include a tie-up with Day One, a move into ROR1, and a research collaboration with Marengo.

Anti-GPC3 bispecifics in development

Source: OncologyPipeline.