Full Press Release Details
IMMUTEP ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN PATENT GRANT FOR
LAG525 ANTIBODY IN COMBINATION THERAPY
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 7 April 2021 Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) ( Immutep or
the Company ), a biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapy treatments for cancer, infectious disease and autoimmune disease, is pleased to announce the grant of patent number EP3317301 entitled Combination
therapies comprising antibody molecules to LAG-3 by the European Patent Office.
The claims of EP3317301 are
directed to embodiments of LAG525, a humanised form of Immutep s IMP701 antibody which is out-licensed to Novartis AG. In particular, the claims of the patent are directed to compositions comprising
LAG525 and spartalizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody molecule, and related methods of use of the combination in the treatment of cancer.
The patent is co-owned by Novartis AG and Immutep S.A.S. and will expire on 28 July 2036.
About IMP701 and LAG525
IMP701 is a therapeutic antibody
originally developed by Immutep S.A. (now Immutep S.A.S.) to target LAG-3. This antagonist antibody plays a role in controlling the signalling pathways in both effector T cells and regulatory T cells (Treg).
The antibody works to both activate effector T cells (by blocking inhibitory signals that would otherwise switch them off) and at the same time inhibit Treg function that normally prevents T cells from responding to antigen stimulation. The antibody
therefore removes two brakes that prevent the immune system from responding to and killing cancer cells. In contrast, some other checkpoint antibodies in development target only the effector T cell pathway.
Rights to the development and commercialisation of IMP701 are exclusively licensed to Novartis.
LAG525, a humanised form of IMP701 is being evaluated by Novartis in several Phase I and/or Phase II clinical trials in combination with Novartis PD-1 inhibitor spartalizumab for the treatment of certain cancer(s). Novartis has full responsibility for the continued development of the LAG-3 antibody program and Immutep
is eligible to receive development-based milestone payments and sales-based royalties.
Further information on the clinical studies may be obtained at:
Immutep is a globally active biotechnology company that is a leader in the development of LAG-3
related immunotherapeutic products for the treatment of cancer, infectious disease and autoimmune disease. Immutep is dedicated to leveraging its technology and expertise to bring innovative treatment options to market for patients and to maximize
value to shareholders. Immutep is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (IMM), and on the NASDAQ (IMMP) in the United States.
Level 12, 95 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Immutep s current lead product candidate is eftilagimod alpha ( efti or IMP321 ),
a soluble LAG-3 fusion protein (LAG-3Ig), which is a first-in-class antigen presenting
cell (APC) activator being explored in cancer and infectious disease. Immutep is also developing an agonist of LAG-3 (IMP761) for autoimmune disease. Additional LAG-3
products, including antibodies for immune response modulation, are being developed by Immutep s large pharmaceutical partners.
can be found on the Company s website www.immutep.com or by contacting:
Australian Investors/Media:
Catherine Strong, Citadel-MAGNUS
McCarthy, LifeSci Advisors
+1 (212) 915.2564; tim@lifesciadvisors.com
This announcement was authorised for release by the Board of Immutep Limited.
Level 12, 95 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000