IRIC and IRICoR announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial for IPN01195, a small molecule RAF inhibitor targeting solid tumors, marking a significant milestone in their strategic partnership with Ipsen. The trial launch represents a key advancement in the collaboration that began in May 2020 with a research and option agreement, followed by a licensing agreement in February 2023.
Novel RAF Inhibitor Shows Preclinical Promise
IPN01195 is a RAF inhibitor that targets an important signaling pathway involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation. The compound was originally discovered and developed by the teams of Professors Marc Therrien and Anne Marinier at the Université de Montréal's Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC). Preclinical studies have demonstrated promising activity across various solid tumor models.
"We are extremely proud to see our novel small molecule therapy reaching this important clinical milestone. This is another example of the efficiency and innovative approach of IRIC's collaborative drug discovery research model," said Dr. Anne Marinier, Director of the Drug Discovery Unit at IRIC.
Strategic Partnership Delivers Clinical Validation
The Phase 1 trial initiation validates the collaborative approach between academic research institutions and pharmaceutical partners. Dr. Marc Therrien, Principal Investigator of the Intracellular Signalling Research Unit and Chief Executive Officer of IRIC, emphasized the clinical significance: "This marks a major step forward for our multidisciplinary teams of biologists and chemists, but more importantly, it brings us closer to delivering a potential new treatment option for patients facing advanced cancers."
Elizabeth Douville, CEO of IRICoR, highlighted the business development implications: "The initiation of this clinical trial marks a major validation of our business development efforts. It demonstrates our ability to translate novel science into programs that attract world-class partners and progress into the clinic."
Licensing Agreement and Commercial Framework
Under the terms of the licensing agreement, the Université de Montréal granted Ipsen exclusive rights to develop and commercialize IPN01195 globally. The university and IRICoR are positioned to receive development and commercial milestone payments, as well as royalties on net sales from the compound's future commercialization.
Pipeline Expansion and Future Collaborations
IRICoR, founded in 2008 by IRIC, continues to advance its mission of accelerating the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies in oncology, immunotherapy, and rare diseases. Douville noted that the organization has additional first-in-class and best-in-class molecules targeting key cancer pathways in development and is actively exploring new strategic collaborations while raising capital to accelerate development.
The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, established in 2003, operates according to a unique model in Canada focused on understanding cancer mechanisms and discovering more effective therapies. The institute's innovative research approach has generated discoveries expected to significantly impact cancer treatment in the coming years.
