22 October 2020 - - US-based biopharmaceutical company NeoImmuneTech, Inc has entered into a second clinical trial collaboration agreement with Switzerland-based F. Hoffmann-La Roche (OTC: RHHBY)) to evaluate the combination of NeoImmuneTech's NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa), a novel long-acting IL-7, and Roche's atezolizumab (Tecentriq), a PD-L1 Checkpoint Inhibitor, the company said.

This new master agreement will now pivot to focus initially on a Phase 2 trial in previously untreated, PD-L1-expressing, locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, with the goal to evaluate anti-tumor efficacy and safety of the NT-I7 and atezolizumab combination. The results of this study will be used to further clinical development of this combination.

Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is a registered trademark of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) is the only clinical-stage long-acting human IL-7, and is being developed for oncologic and immunologic indications, in which T cell amplification and increased functionality may provide clinical benefit.

IL-7 is a fundamental cytokine for naïve and memory T cell development and for sustaining immune response to chronic antigens (as in cancer) or foreign antigens (as in infectious diseases).

NT-I7 exhibits favorable PK/PD and safety profiles, making it an ideal combination partner.

NT-I7 is being studied in multiple clinical trials in solid tumors and as a vaccine adjuvant.

Studies are being planned for testing in hematologic malignancies, additional solid tumors and other immunology-focused indications.

NeoImmuneTech, Inc. is a clinical-stage T cell-focused biopharmaceutical company, dedicated to expanding the horizon of immuno-oncology and enhancing immunity to infectious diseases.

NIT is expanding rapidly in personnel and operations, as well as partnering with industry and academic leaders to investigate NT-I7 as monotherapy and in combination with various immunotherapeutics.