GlaxoSmithKline and Amplimmune ally on cancer research

GlaxoSmithKline is entering into a new research partnership with immune system specialist Amplimmune to develop treatments for cancer.

The collaboration will focus on AMP-224, Amplimmune’s Fc-fusion protein of the B7-DC ligand that targets PD-1 to help restore immune functions to cells, thereby combating tumours and infections.

Clinical trials of the developmental therapy are expected to commence next year and will aid further research into PD-1-targeting protein fusion candidates set to be conducted as part of the agreement.

Amplimmune is set to receive up to $485 million (307.7 million pounds) for its part in the collaboration, while GlaxoSmithKline will gain exclusive worldwide commercialisation rights to the products developed.

Michael Richman, Amplimmune’s president and chief executive officer, said: “This partnership is an example of pharma and biotech companies working together towards a common goal of developing novel therapies for patients with unmet medical need.”

This month, GlaxoSmithKline also signed a strategic drug discovery alliance agreement with FivePrime, which will focus on skeletal muscle conditions such as sarcopenia.