Tiziana Life Sciences licenses foralumab from Novimmune

Targeting the CD3 receptor is a well-validated approach to modulating T-cell response and achieving immunosuppression. Foralumab is a phase II asset with potential application in a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, where modulation of a T-cell response is desirable.

Evidence suggests that in rheumatoid arthritis, anti CD3 antibodies, when used in conjunction with anti-TNF antibodies such as Humira, Remicade and Enbrel — which represent a multi-billion dollar market — may exhibit a synergistic effect.

In the coming months, Tiziana will be evaluating and prioritizing such potential therapeutic applications of foralumab. Tiziana will continue to focus strongly in the field of oncology, advancing its pre-clinical breast cancer research programmes in Bcl-3 and “Top 20,” and now has a clinical stage asset to complement its pre-clinical portfolio..

Under the terms of the agreement Novimmune will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive clinical milestones and royalties on sales. Full financial terms have not been disclosed.

“This is a transformational deal for Tiziana that broadens our pipeline, immediately converting us to a clinical stage company,” said Gabriele Cerrone, Chairman of Tiziana. “Foralumab, our new lead pipeline asset, has broad potential applications in a number of important multi-billion dollar markets. We look forward to updating the market in the coming months as we evaluate how we wish to progress this exciting molecule.”

“Novimmune is delighted that this promising experimental medicine will be developed further by Tiziana,” added Jack Barbut, CEO of Novimmune, “and that Novimmune retains a share in any future value created.”