Kymab Announces Agreement to Evaluate KY1044, its Novel Antibody Targeting ICOS, and Anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy for testing in Multiple Solid Tumors
- Phase I/II studies will evaluate Kymab’s lead investigational therapy KY1044 with atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ ® ) in multiple solid tumors; trial initiation expected 2H 2019
- First study to combine an anti-ICOS antibody with an anti-PD-L1 antibody
Cambridge, UK, 28 June 2018 – Kymab Group Ltd (“Kymab”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing monoclonal antibody therapeutics, today announced a clinical trial agreement with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (“Roche”). Under the agreement, Roche will provide its PD-L1 blocking antibody atezolizumab for use in combination in Kymab’s upcoming Phase I-II clinical studies combining its lead investigational anti-ICOS antibody therapy KY1044 in patients with advanced solid cancers. Kymab will be responsible for conducting the clinical trials, and both companies will share data from the trials. Kymab continues to retain all commercial rights to KY1044.
“We have presented preclinical data demonstrating strong synergies between an anti-PD-L1 treatment in combination with KY1044 against multiple tumor types,” said Arndt Schottelius, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Research and Development of Kymab. “We look forward to the initiation of our first studies and exploration of the potential synergy of our programs for the benefit of patients with advanced solid cancers.”
KY1044 is designed to both deplete intratumoral Regulatory T cells and stimulate T Effector cells to enhance the immune response against tumors. Kymab plans to conduct a Phase I/II study in a variety of solid tumors both as monotherapy and in combination with atezolizumab.
Indications that have elevated levels of both ICOS and FOXP3 might be especially responsive to this combination of checkpoint inhibitors. Kymab will lead studies to evaluate this hypothesis: atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody that acts as a checkpoint inhibitor, and KY1044, an antibody targeting ICOS expression, will be tested for synergistic action to recalibrate the immune response. Kymab plans to initiate monotherapy studies of KY1044 in 1H 2019 and studies in combination with TECENTRIQ in 2H 2019.
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TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) is a registered trademark of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
Notes to Editors
About KY1044 KY1044 is a fully human monoclonal antibody discovered by Kymab’s unique suite of technologies. KY1044 has now been tested in number of highly illustrative syngeneic models, which demonstrate that KY1044 strongly inhibits tumor growth in cancers both as a monotherapy and in combination with other immunotherapies.
Inducible T Cell Co Stimulator (ICOS), is expressed upon activation on T cells and at high levels on the majority of FOXP3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells. Importantly, available data demonstrate that depletion of these immunosuppressive cells from the tumor microenvironment enhances the patient’s anti-tumor immune response. Scientific Posters and Presentations can be located in the pipeline section on the Company’s website http://www.kymab.com/pipeline/
About Kymab Kymab is an emerging clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of fully human monoclonal antibody drugs using its proprietary antibody platform which contains a full diversity of human antibodies, making it the most comprehensive antibody development platform available.
Kymab’s platform has been designed to maximize the diversity of human antibodies produced in response to immunization with antigens. Selecting from a broad diversity of fully human antibodies assures the highest probability of finding drug candidates with best-in-class characteristics quickly and efficiently. Kymab is leveraging its platform for its internal drug discovery programs and in partnership with pharmaceutical companies.
For more information please see http://www.kymab.com . Kymab is a trademark of Kymab Limited.
Forward-looking statements This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law.
For further information contact:
US Dan Budwick, 1AB dan@1AB.com
UK Consilium Strategic Communications: Mary-Jane Elliott / Jessica Hodgson / Suki Virji / Laura Thornton +44 (0) 20 3709 5700 kymab@consilium-comms.com
Investors Brandon Lewis, +44 (0)1223 833301 brandon.lewis@kymab.com
