AstraZeneca and Heptares Therapeutics announce immuno-oncology deal

AstraZeneca has announced a new partnership with Heptares Therapeutics in the emerging field of immuno-oncology.

The licensing agreement will see AstraZeneca acquire exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise the small molecule immuno-oncology candidate HTL-1071 and a number of other potential additional A2A receptor-blocking compounds.

AstraZeneca will explore the assets across a range of cancers, including in combination with its existing portfolio of immunotherapies. Heptares is eligible to receive more than $500 million (322.07 million pounds) in milestone payments, as well as double-digit tiered royalties on net sales.

By stimulating A2A receptors, a natural molecule called adenosine is created that is able to stop T-cells within the immune system from proliferating, thus reducing their ability to destroy cancer cells.

Susan Galbraith, vice-president, and head of oncology at AstraZeneca's innovative medicines and early development unit, said: “By combining the pioneering A2A receptor programme with the strength of AstraZeneca's oncology portfolio, we hope to develop novel treatments with the potential to transform the lives of patients."