GSK and iTeos Therapeutics Enter mAb Collaboration

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and iTeos Therapeutics announced on June 14, 2021 that they have signed an agreement to co-develop and co-commercialize EOS-448, an anti-T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin (Ig) and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT) monoclonal antibody (mAb) in a deal worth up to nearly $2.08 billion.

Under the agreement, iTeos will receive an upfront payment of $625 million and will be eligible to receive up to an additional $1.45 billion in milestone payments if certain development and commercial milestones are achieved. GSK and iTeos will share responsibility and costs for the global development of EOS-448 and will jointly commercialize and equally split profits in the United States. Outside of the US, GSK will receive an exclusive license for commercialization, and iTeos will receive tiered royalty payments.

EOS-448 is currently in Phase I development as a potential treatment for patients with cancer. GSK and iTeos plan to start combination studies of EOS-448 with dostarlimab in 2022. TIGIT, which is part of the CD226 checkpoint axis, has demonstrated potential as a promising target for the next generation of immuno-oncology therapies based on preclinical data and data from a Phase II clinical trial. With this collaboration, GSK now has access to antibodies that synergistically target all three known CD226 checkpoints—TIGIT, CD96, and poliovirus receptor-related immunoglobulin domain-containing (PVRIG).

“Immuno-oncology has transformed cancer care but unfortunately less than 30 percent of patients respond to treatment with the current leading immune checkpoint inhibitors. Based on the underlying science, we believe that combinations of a PD-1 [programmed death-1], TIGIT, CD96 and PVRIG inhibitor could become transformative medicines for many patients with cancer. We are excited to collaborate with the team at iTeos and, together, we can play a leading role in the next generation of immuno-oncology therapies,” said Hal Barron, chief scientific officer and president R&D, GSK, in a company press release.

“Through this transformative collaboration, iTeos now has access to GSK’s best-in-class resources, which will provide us with a significant advantage in a highly competitive, global market. We have chosen GSK because of their commercial capabilities, experience in immuno-oncology, and their commitment to invest in the rapid advancement of our TIGIT program and create a clear path forward for EOS-448. Inspired by the multifaceted mechanism of action of EOS-448 and promising early results in clinical trials, this collaboration allows us to accelerate and expand the clinical development of EOS-448. We are more confident than ever in our ability to succeed. This collaboration validates our science and provides a catalyst for the future of iTeos. The collaboration with GSK will allow our team to continue to develop next-generation immunotherapies starting with inupadenant, our highly differentiated clinical-stage A2A adenosine receptor antagonist, and to drive scientific innovation with our expertise in tumor immunology to build our pipeline,” said Michel Detheux, president and CEO, iTeos, in the press release.

Source: GlaxoSmithKIine