Suzhou-based biotech company MediLink Therapeutics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd has announced a clinical cooperation agreement with UK pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca (AZ; NASDAQ: AZN). The collaboration aims to explore the potential of combining MediLink’s YL201 with AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab) in the treatment of multiple solid tumors.
Upcoming Phase I/Ib Study
A multi-center, open Phase I/Ib study is set to commence as part of this collaboration. The study is designed to meticulously assess the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of the YL201 and Imfinzi combination in patients with various solid tumors, marking a significant step forward in the development of novel treatment strategies.
YL201 and Imfinzi Background
YL201 is a B7H3-targeted antibody drug conjugate (ADC) developed by MediLink using their innovative Tumor Microenvironment Activable LINker (TMALIN) platform. It has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety profiles, with data gathered from over 300 subjects in a multi-center Phase I/II study conducted in China and the US. On the other hand, Imfinzi (durvalumab), AstraZeneca’s first programmed-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor approved in China, is currently indicated for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), and cholangiocarcinoma (BTC). The combination of these two therapies holds the potential to enhance treatment outcomes for patients with solid tumors.-Fineline Info & Tech
