Pfizer and Merck KGaA ally with Debiopharm on cancer immunotherapy research

Pfizer and Merck KGaA has announced a new cancer immunotherapy-focused collaboration with Debiopharm International.

The project will focus on the evaluation of Debio 1143, an oral small molecule IAP inhibitor designed for use in combination with avelumab in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Debio 1143 is currently in phase II development for head and neck and ovarian cancer, while Merck KGaA and Pfizer's avelumab is under clinical investigation across a broad range of tumour types.

Under the terms of this new agreement, Debiopharm will be responsible for conducting phase I/Ib clinical trials. It is hoped that combining the immunosensitising effect of Debio 1143 with avelumab will lead to better patient outcomes.

Dr Chris Boshoff, head of immuno-oncology, early development and translational oncology at Pfizer, said: "This collaboration with Debiopharm provides a significant opportunity to explore the potential synergistic effects of these two agents in combination."

Pfizer has been working with Merck KGaA on the development of avelumab since November 2014.

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