Oxford BioTherapeutics (OBT) announced that Boehringer Ingelheim has selected a third drug candidate from their ongoing collaboration to advance into IND-enabling studies. The target, designated OB33, was identified using OBT's proprietary OGAP-Verify discovery platform and represents another milestone in the companies' multi-year partnership focused on developing next-generation cancer immunotherapies.
The advancement of OB33 into IND-enabling studies triggers a milestone payment to Oxford BioTherapeutics, though the specific amount was not disclosed. This drug candidate joins a growing portfolio of oncology assets discovered through the OGAP-Verify platform that are approaching or already in clinical development.
Enhanced Discovery Platform Drives Success
OBT's recently launched enhanced OGAP-Verify discovery platform has demonstrated improved sensitivity and target selection capabilities, addressing key challenges in the design of therapeutic antibodies and diagnostic tools. According to the company, this enhanced platform has resulted in an increased overall success rate of novel compounds transitioning into clinical development.
The platform's capabilities have been validated through the identification of unique and specific cancer targets that complement Boehringer Ingelheim's development of potentially life-changing cancer immunotherapies. Immuno-oncological therapies have transformed the cancer treatment landscape but remain effective only in a subset of patients, creating a need for novel immunotherapy targets.
Expanding Partnership Portfolio
The OBT-Boehringer partnership, which began in 2013, has expanded through subsequent agreements in 2020 and 2022 to include additional programs. The collaboration has yielded multiple development-stage assets, with two candidates currently in clinical trials, one compound now in IND-enabling studies, and a fourth target recently optioned by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Under the multi-year collaboration structure, OBT identifies targets using the OGAP-Verify platform, while Boehringer Ingelheim assumes responsibility for the development and commercialization of resulting product candidates.
Strategic Validation
Dr. Christian Rohlff, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford BioTherapeutics, emphasized the significance of reaching this preclinical milestone: "We are pleased to see our partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim reach an important preclinical milestone. It reflects the strength of our collaboration and the scientific excellence of our OGAP discovery platform. This achievement reinforces our strategy of partnering with world-class organizations to translate breakthrough science into potential new cancer therapies."
The CEO noted that the company looks forward to continuing work on developing innovative first-in-class treatments for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Clinical Stage Pipeline
Oxford BioTherapeutics operates as a clinical-stage oncology company with a pipeline focused on immuno-oncology and Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC)-based therapies. The company's lead clinical program, OBT076, is currently in Phase I clinical trials in patients with advanced or refractory solid tumors, including gastric, bladder, ovarian and lung cancers where CD205 is overexpressed.
The company's pipeline and development capabilities have been validated through multiple strategic partnerships with industry leaders including Roche, ImmunoGen (now part of AbbVie), Zymeworks, Amgen, WuXi, Medarex (BMS), and Alere (Abbott), in addition to the ongoing Boehringer Ingelheim collaboration.
