Igenica Biotherapeutics said recently it has launched an oncology research agreement with MedImmune to assess the potential of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting surface antigen in leukemia (SAIL), a cell surface protein highly expressed in a variety of blood cancers and several solid tumors.The value of the collaboration was not disclosed.

MedImmune, the global biologics R&D arm of AstraZeneca, agreed to provide its antitumor payload to Igenica, which agreed to contribute its anti-SAIL antibodies, including IGN786, and its SNAP ADC drug linker.IGN786 is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to SAIL. According to Ingenica, preclinical data have supported the selective targeting of tumors expressing SAIL with ADCs.Igenica will partner with MedImmune to jointly investigate the resulting novel ADCs in preclinical studies.

Under the collaboration, MedImmune will receive an option for an exclusive worldwide license to anti-SAIL antibodies and ADCs resulting from the collaboration. Igenica will receive an exclusive option fee and—if MedImmune exercises its option—is also eligible to receive an upfront license fee, clinical, regulatory, and commercialization milestones, and royalties on net sales.