iTeos and GSK Enter $2.1 Billion Deal

Cambridge-based iTeos Therapeutics and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have agreed to co-develop and co-commercialize EOS-448, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody currently in phase I development as a potential treatment for patients with cancer. TIGIT, part of the CD226 checkpoint axis, has demonstrated potential as a promising target for the next generation of immuno-oncology therapies based on compelling preclinical data and a phase II randomized clinical trial. With this collaboration, GSK is uniquely positioned with access to antibodies that synergistically target all three known CD226 checkpoints – TIGIT, CD96 and PVRIG.

Michel Detheux, President and CEO, iTeos, said: “Through this transformative collaboration, iTeos now has access to GSK’s best-in-class resources which will provide us with a significant advantage in a highly competitive, global market. We have chosen GSK because of their commercial capabilities, experience in immuno-oncology and their commitment to invest in the rapid advancement of our TIGIT program and create a clear path forward for EOS-448. Inspired by the multifaceted mechanism of action of EOS-448 and promising early results in clinical trials, this collaboration allows us to accelerate and expand the clinical development of EOS-448….The collaboration with GSK will allow our team to continue to develop next generation immunotherapies starting with inupadenant, our highly differentiated clinical-stage A_2A adenosine receptor antagonist, and to drive scientific innovation with our expertise in tumor immunology to build our pipeline.”

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, iTeos will receive an upfront payment of $625 million. iTeos will be eligible to receive up to an additional $1.45 billion in milestone payments, should the EOS-448 program achieve certain development and commercial milestones. Within the collaboration, GSK and iTeos will share responsibility and costs for the global development of EOS-448 and will jointly commercialize and equally split profits in the US. Outside of the US, GSK will receive an exclusive license for commercialization and iTeos will receive tiered royalty payments. (Source: iTeos Therapeutics Website, 14 June, 2021)