Dive Brief:
- IAB22M2C from ImaginAB is a PET-based imaging agent that flags cytotoxic T-cells in a patient's body.
- The imaging agent helps track a patient's immune response to immuno-oncologic treatments. As a result, it can help with patient selection and help guide therapy.
- Eli Lilly has several combo drug studies underway that incorporate checkpoint inhibitors from Merck, AstraZeneca, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. The company has announced that it will be entering into a new collaboration with ImaginAB on the T-cell therapy project.
Dive Insight:
Researchers have determined that CD8-positive T-cells, also known as cytotoxic T-cells, are foundational in immuno-oncologic treatments for melanoma. Now the goal is to take the knowledge further to not only develop new anti-PD-1 checkpoint therapies, but to expand understanding of immuno-oncology and refine the process of patient selection.
Los Angeles-based ImaginAB engineers antibody fragments to map individual immune responses to therapy. It provides an important tool that supports same-day CD8 imaging and therapeutic oncologic treatment. Because of its innovative approach, ImaginAB is becoming a sought-after partner in the field of immuno-oncology.
The two companies did not release the terms of their deal.