Ipsen and Biomunex sign exclusive global licensing deal for MAIT cell engager in immuno-oncology

Ipsen and Biomunex Pharmaceuticals have joined forces through an exclusive global licensing agreement to develop and commercialize BMX-502, a bispecific antibody. This innovative therapy targets Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells, or MAIT cells, and the GPC3 tumor antigen, aiming to destroy cancer cells. The GPC3 antigen is known for its presence in various types of cancer, making it a significant target for treatment.

MAIT cells are found throughout the body, particularly in mucosal and barrier tissues. BMX-502 employs Biomunex’s unique BiXAb technology to selectively engage these cells, enhancing their inherent anti-tumor properties. This approach aims to resolve some of the issues associated with current pan-T cell engager therapies, such as the activation of regulatory T cells and cytokine release syndrome, which can be challenging to manage and place a considerable strain on healthcare systems.

The potential of MAIT cell engagers lies in their ability to offer a broader therapeutic window compared to traditional pan-T cell engagers in specific tumor types. Mary Jane Hinrichs, Senior Vice President and Head of Early Development at Ipsen, emphasized the addition of BMX-502 to Ipsen’s pipeline as a promising candidate with first-in-class potential in treating solid tumors. She believes this new MAIT-engager program will complement Ipsen’s existing portfolio of T cell engagers, addressing treatment challenges such as dose-limiting toxicity and providing transformational new medicines for patients with solid tumors globally.

Dr. Pierre-Emmanuel Gerard, founder, President, and CEO of Biomunex, highlighted the significance of this agreement with Ipsen as a testament to the relevance of Biomunex's MAIT-engager approach. As the first company to recognize the high therapeutic potential of MAIT cells in cancer treatment, Biomunex’s BiXAb platform has proven effective in generating innovative and promising bispecific antibodies. Dr. Gerard expressed confidence that MAIT engagers will mark a significant advancement in the development of disruptive immunotherapies for cancer treatment. He looks forward to initiating and supporting the development of BMX-502 in collaboration with Ipsen.

According to the agreement terms, Biomunex will finalize the IND-enabling package, while Ipsen will take over the Phase I preparation activities, including the submission of the Investigational New Drug application and all subsequent clinical development and global commercialization activities. Biomunex stands to receive up to $610 million, dependent on the successful development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, along with tiered global royalties on sales.

Ipsen, a global biopharmaceutical company, focuses on bringing transformative medicines to patients in oncology, rare diseases, and neuroscience. With nearly a century of development experience and global hubs in the U.S., France, and the U.K., Ipsen operates in over 40 countries and partners worldwide to deliver medicines to patients in more than 80 countries.

Biomunex Pharmaceuticals, based in Paris and Cambridge, MA, is led by an experienced international team. The company specializes in the discovery and development of breakthrough immunotherapeutic approaches for oncology, based on solid data and clinical evidence. Biomunex’s BiXAb platform allows the generation of bispecific antibodies efficiently and cost-effectively, making it the first company globally to develop MAIT engagers for treating solid tumors.