Major Milestone: Phase 1 Trials Begin for New Cancer Treatment by IRIC and Ipsen

Phase 1 Clinical Trial Initiation for Innovative Cancer Therapy



On July 8, 2025, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) at the Université de Montréal, in collaboration with IRICoR, made a significant announcement regarding the advancement of cancer treatment. They revealed the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial for their innovative small molecule therapy, which has been licensed to Ipsen. This event marks a pivotal moment in their relationship with Ipsen, which began back in May 2020 with initial research agreements and further solidified by a licensing deal in February 2023.

The therapy, designated as IPN01195, targets RAF, an essential player in a signaling pathway that regulates cancer cell growth and proliferation. Developed by Professors Marc Therrien and Anne Marinier's teams, this therapy has exhibited promising preclinical results against various solid tumors. Dr. Anne Marinier, who is the Director of the Drug Discovery Unit at IRIC, emphasized their pride, stating, “This is a testament to our collaborative and efficient drug discovery model.”

Dr. Marc Therrien, Principal Investigator and CEO of IRIC, added, “This milestone is not just a victory for our research teams, but it also signifies our commitment to providing new treatment options for patients battling advanced cancers.” The enthusiasm surrounding this trial is a direct reflection of the collaborative efforts and innovation fostered at IRIC.

In alignment with the advancements, Elizabeth Douville, CEO of IRICoR, expressed gratitude for the support from Ipsen, highlighting this trial as an affirmation of their strategic development endeavors. Douville pointed out the urgency in continuing to translate groundbreaking science into practical applications, as they aim to bolster the pipeline with first-in-class treatments targeting crucial cancer pathways.

Under the collaboration terms, the Université de Montréal has granted Ipsen exclusive rights to further develop and commercialize IPN01195 on a global scale. This collaboration not only reinforces their long-standing relationship but also ensures that both IRIC and IRICoR will benefit from development and commercial milestone payments, as well as royalties from net sales once the product hits the market.

About The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer


Founded in 2003, the IRIC operates out of a cutting-edge facility at the Université de Montréal, dedicated to uncovering the intricate mechanisms of cancer and discovering more effective therapies. Its unique model has already led to significant breakthroughs that could transform the landscape of cancer treatment in the coming years.

About IRICoR


Established in 2008, IRICoR's mission is to expedite the discovery, development, and commercialization of pioneering therapies in oncology, immunotherapy, and rare diseases. It plays a crucial role in fostering partnerships with the biopharmaceutical industry and transforming academic research into viable therapies for patients. With its supportive funding structure, IRICoR bridges the gap between academic inquiry and commercial viability, propelling research into tangible treatment outcomes.

As IRICO and Ipsen embark on this new phase in clinical trials, the global medical community will be eagerly watching the developments that unfold. Not only does this trial represent scientific innovation, but it also embodies a beacon of hope for patients worldwide, creating the potential for transformations in treatment strategies for solid tumors.

Topics Health)

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