Medigene and EpimAb to Develop T Cell Engagers for Solid Tumors

Medigene and EpimAb Biotherapeutics have entered into a collaborative agreement to develop T cell receptor (TCR)-guided T cell engagers (TCR-TCEs). These innovative therapeutics represent a promising "off-the-shelf" immunotherapy solution for tackling solid tumors. This partnership brings together Medigene's expertise in the sensitive, specific, and safe (3S) characterization and generation of TCRs with EpimAb’s advanced cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) antibody and TCR-Fab in tandem (T-FIT) platforms. The goal is to create bispecific therapeutics that can precisely target cancer cells, thereby improving patient outcomes.

The collaboration between Medigene and EpimAb focuses on jointly developing TCR-TCE constructs. Both companies will have equal ownership over the products developed. Medigene's CEO, Selwyn Ho, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with EpimAb, noting the strong clinical validation of their proprietary T-FIT platform and recent successful collaborations. This partnership aims to develop what could be best-in-class TCR-TCEs by utilizing Medigene’s advanced 3S TCR generation capabilities.

The significance of TCRs lies in their unique ability to detect both intracellular and extracellular targets on cancer cells. Unlike traditional antibodies, TCRs can recognize these targets when displayed by peptide-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complexes. Medigene's comprehensive platform is instrumental in identifying natural TCR sequences with high 3S properties. These sequences are then paired with a CD3 T cell-engaging antibody to form TCR-TCEs.

The TCR-TCEs developed through this partnership are designed to direct a patient's T cells specifically towards tumor cells. This targeting mechanism activates the T cells to release cytotoxic and cytokine molecules, which work to destroy the cancer cells. This innovative approach holds significant promise for improving cancer treatment by harnessing the body's immune system to effectively target and eliminate tumor cells.

Additionally, in August 2024, Medigene expanded its efforts by partnering with WuXi Biologics, a global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization. This collaboration aims to further the development of TCR-TCEs, particularly for treating challenging tumors. The strategic partnerships that Medigene is forming underscore its commitment to advancing immunotherapy and addressing areas of high unmet medical need in oncology.

Overall, the co-development agreement between Medigene and EpimAb Biotherapeutics represents a significant advancement in the field of cancer immunotherapy. By combining Medigene’s TCR expertise with EpimAb's T-FIT platform, the partnership aims to create innovative, bispecific therapeutics that have the potential to transform the treatment landscape for patients with solid tumors. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to expand Medigene’s pipeline through strategic collaborations that drive value and innovation in cancer treatment.