On April 29, 2020 Vivoryon Therapeutics AG (Euronext Amsterdam: VVY, ISIN DE0007921835) reported that MorphoSys has not exercised the exclusive option to license Vivoryon’s small molecule QPCTL inhibitors in the immuno-oncology field (Press release, Vivoryon Therapeutics, APR 29, 2020, View Source [SID1234556716]).
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During the option period, MorphoSys conducted preclinical studies to assess the potential of small molecule QPCTL inhibitors in oncology as well as the possible benefits of combining these inhibitors with MorphoSys’ proprietary program, tafasitamab, a compound in late-stage development for the treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL). In parallel, Vivoryon, based on its 2019 research collaboration with the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, conducted a similar series of preclinical studies.
Ultimately, the data demonstrated a significant additive effect when QPCTL inhibitors were combined with CD20 and other antibodies, indicating that Vivoryon’s lead drug candidate, PQ912, could represent a novel approach for cancer therapy. Vivoryon’s orally available compounds target the QPCTL enzyme, which has been shown to be a modulator of the CD47-SIRP alpha interaction. Left unchecked, this interaction allows cancer cells to escape the body’s innate immune defense through inhibition of the phagocytic activity of macrophages.
Ulrich Dauer, CEO of Vivoryon Therapeutics commented: "Although we are disappointed by MorphoSys’ decision, we remain optimistic about collaborating with other leading oncology companies to further leverage the strength and versatility of our small molecule therapeutics in oncology."