Cancer Research UK’s license and collaboration partner Tusk Therapeutics is acquired by Roche

In February 2017, Cancer Research UK’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cancer Research Technology, University College London (UCL) and Tusk Therapeutics Ltd announced a licensing and collaboration deal to develop and commercialise antibody-based therapeutics against CD25. Tusk Therapeutics’ anti-CD25 antibody programme was built on novel biology discovered by the company in collaboration with Dr. Sergio Quezada, Cancer Research UK Senior Research Fellow, and his team at UCL. Tusk Therapeutics presented pre-clinical proof-of-concept data generated in collaboration with Cancer Research UK and UCL, relating to its anti-CD25 antibody programme at the 2018 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

Tusk Therapeutics Ltd (“Tusk”) was today acquired by Roche. Tusk has developed an antibody with a novel mode of action aimed at depleting regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Tregs suppress immune responses, including those against cancer cells. Preclinical data has shown that depleting Tregs from the tumor microenvironment can enhance and/or restore anti-tumor immunity. Tusk’s antibody has been designed to deplete these harmful Tregs, while not interfering with other immune cells acting against the tumor. Tusk’s program is expected to start clinical trials in cancer patients towards the end of 2019. Tusk was founded in 2014 by Droia Oncology Ventures, Tusk’s majority shareholder. Under the terms of the agreement, Tusk’s shareholders will receive an upfront cash payment of Euro 70 million, plus additional contingent payments of up to Euro 585 million based on achievements of certain predetermined milestones.

Luc Dochez, Chief Executive Officer of Tusk Therapeutics, said: “We are delighted that Roche will further develop this novel antibody and drive the development ahead. The remaining portfolio of our immune-oncology targets will be further developed by Black Belt Therapeutics, a newly formed company spun out of Tusk Therapeutics.”

About Cancer Research UK’s Commercial Partnerships Team

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Cancer Research UK’s specialist Commercial Partnerships Team works closely with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. Cancer Research UK’s commercial activity operates through Cancer Research Technology Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cancer Research UK. It is the legal entity which pursues drug discovery research in themed alliance partnerships and delivers varied commercial partnering arrangements. Potential partners interested in collaborating with Cancer Research’s Centre for Drug Development please contact [email protected].

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