Ipsen and Biomunex Pharmaceuticals have announced an exclusive global licensing agreement for BMX-502. BMX-502 is a bispecific antibody that engages and activates a subset of cytotoxic T cells called Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT cells) and targets the GPC3 tumor antigen, to kill cancer cells.
GPC3 is a clinically validated target, highly expressed across several cancer types. MAIT cells are present throughout the body, highly enriched in many specific tissues of the body, particularly in mucosal and barrier tissues. BMX-502 offers a promising approach to treating tumors in these tissues.
Developed using Biomunex’s proprietary BiXAb technology, BMX-502 selectively engages MAIT cells and leverages their unique properties to maximize anti-tumor activity. MAIT engagers should overcome some of the limitations of current pan-T cell engager therapies, including activation of regulatory T cells and cytokine release syndrome, side effects that are difficult to manage for patients and represent a significant burden on the healthcare system. MAIT engagers have the potential to provide a more robust therapeutic window compared to classical pan-T cell engagers in specific tumor types.
“As we continue to grow Ipsen’s pipeline using a science-first approach to partnering across the ecosystem, we believe BMX-502 is a strong addition with first-in-class potential in solid tumors,” said Mary Jane Hinrichs, SVP and Head of Early Development at Ipsen. “This new MAIT-engager program will complement our existing TCE portfolio as we harness the next-generation of T cell engagers to overcome treatment challenges, including dose-limiting toxicity, to bring transformational new medicines to people living with solid tumors around the world.”
Dr. Pierre-Emmanuel Gerard, founder, President and CEO of Biomunex, added: “This agreement with such an innovative oncology company as Ipsen is proof of the relevance of MAIT-engager approach of Biomunex, the first company worldwide to have identified the high therapeutic potential of MAIT cells in cancer treatment.
“It also represents the demonstration of the added-value of our best-in-class BiXAb platform to rapidly generate innovative and promising bispecific antibodies. We are convinced that our MAIT engagers will represent a new step forward in the development of disruptive immuno-therapies for the treatment of cancer. We look forward to initiating and supporting the development of BMX-502 alongside Ipsen.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Biomunex will complete the IND-enabling package. Ipsen will assume responsibility for Phase I preparation activities, including submission of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application, and all subsequent clinical-development and global commercialization activities. Biomunex is eligible to receive up to $610 million, including upfront, contingent upon successful development, regulatory and commercial milestones, in addition to tiered global royalties on sales.
