Sosei Group Corp. has reportedly stated that the firm has been notified by its partner AstraZeneca of a milestone achieved in clinical development with AZD4635, its next-generation immuno-oncology candidate, making it eligible to receive a payment of $15 million from AstraZeneca.
For the uninitiated, AZD4635 is a strong and selective, small molecule and orally available adenosine 2A receptor antagonist developed by Sosei Group and licensed exclusively to AstraZeneca globally in 2015.
As per trusted sources, the candidate AZD4635 has seen upgradation in a Phase 1 clinical program as a single-agent and in combination with AstraZeneca’s IMFINZI or anti-PD-L1 antibody durvalumab in patients suffering from solid tumors.
A news report quoted Susan Galbraith, Senior VP, and Head of Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit at AstraZeneca, saying that the company is exploring next-generation approaches in immuno-oncology by seeking development of new combinations that can overcome significant immunosuppressive mechanisms resulting in the improved potential for anti-tumor activity of immune checkpoint inhibition. Additionally, the adenosine pathway has been widely recognized for its vitality in tumor immunosuppression, while the candidate AZD4635 complements the company’s portfolio in this area, Galbraith added.
According to sources equipped with the knowledge of the matter, the most tolerated dose of AZD4635, as established by the clinical study, was as a single agent and together with durvalumab. The study has seen successful development to a point where the therapeutic potential of the candidate is being experimented with in multiple solid tumors, claimed reliable sources. As a result, AstraZeneca is aiming for a Phase 2 clinical trial, thereby stimulating the milestone payment to Sosei Heptares.
Furthermore, the company is planning to present significant data from the Phase 1 study at a scientific congress in 2019.
For the record, AZD4635 is in the Phase 1 open-label study, tested as a single agent & in combination with a PD-L1 antibody durvalumab in patients with solid malignancies. It is also in a Phase 1/2a open-label study in a combination of oleclumab discovered by Medlmmune.
