Onward Therapeutics Partners with Institut du Cancer for Major Onco-Metabolism Licensing Deal

Onward Therapeutics Partners with Institut du Cancer de Montpellier

Onward Therapeutics SA, a clinical-stage oncology enterprise, has made significant strides in cancer treatment by announcing a worldwide licensing agreement with the Institut du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM) in France. This collaboration is designed to further develop Onward Therapeutics' revolutionary program in onco-metabolism, namely OT-S00X, intended to enhance therapeutic options for cancer patients.

In June 2021, Onward Therapeutics France had established an exclusive collaboration and option agreement with ICM, Inserm, and Université de Montpellier. This initial agreement allowed Onward to provide research funding that supported essential discoveries at ICM. The collaborative effort has shown fruitful outcomes, leading to the identification of promising compounds that have now transitioned into Onward's development pipeline.

Currently, the OT-S00X project is undergoing lead optimization, with plans to nominate candidates suitable for IND-enabling studies next year. Through proof-of-principle studies, the project has demonstrated remarkable preclinical efficacy, with various promising candidates identified from two unique chemical series. The integration of artificial intelligence methods is anticipated to enhance the physical and chemical properties of these compounds, thereby improving their therapeutic potential.

Dr. Armand de Gramont, Chief Scientific Officer of Onward Therapeutics, expressed his enthusiasm about the OT-S00X program, stating, "This project presents a breakthrough in targeting tumor onco-metabolism. Our preclinical studies indicate a strong correlation between the efficacy of these compounds and a predictive biomarker of response across numerous tumor types, providing a robust rationale for this novel mechanism."

Moreover, Dr. Alain Herrera, President of Onward Therapeutics France and Chief Medical Officer, highlighted that OT-S00X contributes a differentiated metabolic approach, which not only expands their therapeutic pipeline but also presents an innovative solution to tackle cancer resistance.

Prof. Marc Ychou, Directeur Général of ICM, shared his excitement regarding the collaboration, underscoring the OT-S00X program as a testament to the power of translational science in formulating novel oncological treatments. He emphasized the institute's role in reflecting the international scope and the robust potential of the Montpellier MedVallée ecosystem in propelling cancer innovation forward.

About Onward Therapeutics

Onward Therapeutics (www.onward-therapeutics.com) is dedicated to developing advanced cancer therapies. The company operates on a fast-track development model and is guided by a highly experienced team in translational science and drug development. Their product portfolio includes a bispecific antibody, OT-A201, licensed from Biomunex Pharmaceuticals, and an allogeneic NK cell therapy known as OT-C001. In addition to these prominent clinical assets, Onward is cultivating two first-in-class early-stage programs, including the onco-metabolism small molecule (OT-S00X) and a multi-specific antibody platform (OT-A30X).

About Institut du Cancer Montpellier (ICM)

Established in 1923, the Institut du Cancer Montpellier stands out as one of the 18 French Comprehensive Cancer Centers focused on patient care, research, and innovation cross-disciplinary approaches. ICM collaborates closely with Inserm and Université de Montpellier, combining advanced research capabilities with patient-centered care. With over 200 researchers dedicated to cancer studies, ICM, recognized by the French National Cancer Institute, showcases its commitment to integrated cancer research.

This partnership between Onward Therapeutics and ICM marks a significant milestone in the fight against cancer and exemplifies the potential for groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment methodologies.