Medivir has announced that IGM Biosciences has initiated its clinical study in solid cancers with birinapant (a k a IGM-9427) in combination with IGM’s DR5 agonist antibody IGM-8444.

The combination of IGM-8444 and birinapant has previously shown to enhance anti-tumor activity preclinically, states Medivir. The purpose of this first clinical trial with the combination will be to explore safety and tolerability.

In January 2021, Medivir entered into an exclusive licensing agreement through which IGM Biosciences received global, exclusive development rights for birinapant. Upon signing the agreement, Medivir received USD 1 million, which will now be followed by an additional USD 1.5 million as birinapant is included by IGM Biosciences in clinical phase I studies.

”We are very happy with this important development step in the clinical evaluation of birinapant’s potential within oncology in combination with IGM’s antibody IGM-8444,” says Magnus Christensen, interim CEO in Medivir.

Photo: Medivir