The MedImmune oncology research pipeline targets solid tumors (such as breast or lung cancers) and hematologic cancers (such as lymphoma and leukemia). We have a competitive portfolio with four clinical stage programs in IMT-c, two Phase 2 programs in hematology, and two clinical stage programs in angiogenesis inhibition. We also have competitive pre-clinical programs in IMT-c, ADC, and tumor stem cells.
We are focused on incorporating innovative technologies
designed to eliminate cancer cells in more effective and targeted ways, such as effector-enhanced, polyspecific, and toxin-carrying antibodies. This includes a focus on several strategic biologic areas critical to the development and progression of cancer:
- immune-mediated cancer therapy
- tumor-associated antigens
- cancer stem cells
- growth factor signaling and survival
- oncolytic viruses
Immune-mediated therapies are an exciting area of cancer research, and MedImmune is a key player in this space. These therapies seek to recalibrate and amplify a patient’s immune system to better recognize and attack cancer; they have the potential to provide durable responses and prolonged survival. Tremelimumab, a CTLA-4 blocking immunotherapy, is just one of several immune-mediated therapies in our pipeline. It’s being studied in melanoma and other solid tumors, and is a prime example of our company pursuing the best science.
Immunotoxins are another promising area of our oncology research. Described as the “trojan horse” of cancer therapies, these cleverly engineered therapies link a toxin to an antibody with the goal of delivering the toxin directly into the tumor cells without affecting the normal cells around it.
Our collaboration with the Cancer Research Institute and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research underscores our commitment to advancing the science in this area. This collaboration centers on exploring combinations of immunotherapies, including tremelimumab and two other investigational monoclonal antibodies from our oncology pipeline.
The future direction of MedImmune’s oncology research includes a concentrated focus on:
Learn more about our science:
- Exploring combinations based on science, data, and clinical need, including the support of collaborative novel-novel Phase 1b’s, which can show strong signals and identify registration opportunities
- Incorporating biomarker-directed patient selection in all programs
- Exploiting our antibody engineering and biologics manufacturing expertise to attract partners
- Pursuing opportunities and leveraging collaborations to share cost and risk