Lilly and ImaginAb announce immuno-oncology partnership

Lilly has announced a new immuno-oncology research collaboration with immune imaging company ImaginAb.

The preclinical research collaboration will focus on the study of potential novel T-cell-based immuno-oncology therapies.

ImaginAb will conduct preclinical research using the immune imaging agent IAB22M2C, a clinical anti-human CD8 probe, to detect T-cell trafficking, redirection and infiltration in response to Lilly oncology molecules.

It is thought that CD8-positive T-cells may be associated with favourable clinical response to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma. IAB22M2C can be used to detect CD8-positive T-cells and provide a whole-body picture of immune response.

Dr Greg Plowman, vice-president of oncology research at Lilly, said: "ImaginAb has developed a highly specific and novel approach for visualising a patient's immune response, and we are excited to explore applications of this technology as part of our immuno-oncology drug development efforts."

This follows Lilly's acquisition of an intranasal glucagon product for the treatment of severe hypoglycaemia from Locemia Solutions earlier this month.