- Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) enters into a preclinical research collaboration with Inglewood, CA-based ImaginAb to study potential novel T cell-based immuno-oncology therapies. Under the terms of the partnership, ImaginAb will conduct preclinical research using its immune imaging agent, IAB22M2C (an anti-human CD8 probe) to detect T cell trafficking, redirection and infiltration in response to Lilly oncology molecules. ImaginAb retains full rights to its imaging agents used in the project.
- CD8-positive T cells, known as cytotoxic T cells, are associated with positive clinical response to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma. IAB22M2C is a PET-based imaging agent that detects CD8-positive T cells which will provide a whole-body picture of immune response. This will potentially enable better patient selection and well as a better understanding of the mechanisms of immune-modulating treatments.
- Financial terms are not disclosed.