GlycArt’s early-stage compound will be investigated in hematological and B-cell cancers.
Roche, Genentech, and GlycArt are working together to develop GlycArt’s GA101 molecule for various cancer indications. The agreement covers a license from GlycArt to Genentech for development and U.S. commerciliaziation.
The firms report that they will share development costs, although Genentech was not able to comment on the breakdown of funding or research responsibilites. Genentech did note that it will log $105 million in R&D expense for this collaboration during the third quarter of this year. Roche owns GlycArt completely and 44.1% of Genentech.
GA101 is a humanized anti-CD20 mAb designed to increase direct- and immune-mediated target cell death, according to the companies. It is currently in Phase I/II trials for CD20-positive B-cell malignancies such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Roche, GlycArt, and Genentech will further evaluate the compound as a treatment for other oncology-related B-cell disorders and hematological malignancies.
“With its unique mode of action, we believe GA101 has the potential to extend the therapeutic benefit over current standards of care, including treatment for patients who do not respond to current therapies,” says Pablo Umaña, CSO and cofounder of GlycArt.
