MedImmune In-Licenses Cancer Immunotherapy Tremelimumab from Pfizer

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca, today announced execution of an in-licensing agreement with Pfizer Inc for tremelimumab (CP-675,206), a CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody.  Under the terms of this agreement, MedImmune will assume global development rights to tremelimumab and Pfizer will retain the rights to use tremelimumab with specified types of combination therapies. MedImmune plans to explore tremelimumab in a number of potential cancer indications. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.   

"Adding another immunotherapeutic approach to our oncology pipeline, one which may employ the immune system itself to fight cancer, exemplifies our continued commitment to embracing this new era of cancer care," said Bahija Jallal, Ph.D., MedImmune's Executive Vice President, Research and Development.

Anders Ekblom, AstraZeneca's Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development, added:  "This project to further explore and advance tremelimumab showcases our synergies in marrying world-class biologics expertise with global development and commercialization capabilities in oncology."  

Effectiveness of the agreement is contingent on expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

About tremelimumab

Tremelimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody which binds to the protein CTLA-4, expressed on the surface of activated T lymphocytes. Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies comprise a new generation of immunotherapies for the potential treatment of cancer.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca PLC operating through various affiliates in the AstraZeneca Group (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune's website at http://www.medimmune.com.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca.com.

SOURCE MedImmune