In a significant development for cancer immunotherapy, Epitopea has announced a license and research collaboration agreement with MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA) to identify novel tumor-specific antigens for an undisclosed solid tumor type. The partnership leverages Epitopea's groundbreaking work in discovering Cryptigen™ tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) derived from previously dismissed "junk DNA" regions of the genome.
Under the agreement terms, Epitopea will deploy its proprietary CryptoMap™ platform to identify and deliver novel, immunogenic Cryptigen™ TSAs for a specific tumor type. The deal includes an undisclosed upfront payment and potential milestone payments that could reach up to $300 million per product, with MSD securing exclusive rights for therapeutic development and commercialization.
Revolutionary Approach to Cancer Antigen Discovery
Epitopea's innovative technology focuses on identifying shared, non-mutated antigens that are aberrantly expressed in cancer cells. These Cryptigen™ TSAs represent a paradigm shift in cancer immunotherapy, as they are consistently present across patients with the same tumor type, making them ideal candidates for developing off-the-shelf immunotherapies.
Dr. Alan C. Rigby, Epitopea's CEO, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: "Epitopea has been at the forefront of identifying Cryptigen™ TSAs, whose intratumor shared nature across patients has made them ideal targets for the development of off-the-shelf immunotherapies. We believe that this strategic collaborative relationship with MSD, a leader in immunotherapy therapeutic development, provides us with an additional opportunity to validate the potential impact of these differentiated tumor specific antigens."
Addressing Unmet Needs in Cancer Treatment
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment over the past decade, there remains a pressing need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Dr. George Addona, senior vice president of discovery, preclinical development and translational medicine at Merck Research Laboratories, acknowledged this challenge: "Despite the remarkable progress made in cancer treatment over the past decade, more therapeutic options are needed. We continue to explore new ways to build upon our strong foundation in immuno-oncology."
Platform Technology and Company Background
The CryptoMap™ platform combines immunopeptidomics, genomics, and advanced bioinformatics to identify tumor-specific antigens hidden within non-coding regions of DNA. This technology emerged from pioneering research conducted by Drs. Claude Perreault and Pierre Thibault at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer at the Université de Montréal.
Epitopea, founded in 2021 with dual headquarters in Cambridge, UK and Montreal, Canada, has raised over USD $45 million in funding from a consortium of prominent life science investors. The company's approach has garnered strong support from the investment community, with Michael Anstey, Partner at Cambridge Innovation Capital, noting that the MSD partnership "provides strong validation for Epitopea's unique capabilities and the potential to help develop breakthrough immunotherapies for cancer patients with the highest unmet need."
