India's Glenmark signs license agreement for APC Therapeutics’ small molecule oncology compound

India-based Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has entered a licensing agreement with US company APC Therapeutics for exclusive rights to a small molecule, oncology compound based on antigen presenting cell (APC) biology.

APC Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a portfolio of immuno-oncology (IO) therapies.

The small-molecule oncology compound can be used both as a monotherapy and in combination with approved therapies to meet unmet requirements in cancer treatment.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals president and chief scientific officer Kurt Stoeckli said: "This asset adds to our robust biologics pipeline of targeted IO therapies.

"The mechanism of action of APC biology is very intriguing and has the potential to be transformative in cancer treatment by triggering powerful immunologic responses to tumours that may lead to deeper and more durable responses to treatment."

Under the deal, Glenmark will license the product from APC Therapeutics and be responsible for managing all clinical development including regulatory filings and commercialisation of the compound across the globe.

APC Therapeutics co-founders Vinod Patel and Venkateshwar Reddy said: "Glenmark is an ideal partner to advance such an important scientific breakthrough treatment to patients with cancer.

"This partnership is strategically significant for APC Therapeutics as it validates and advances our commitment to bring the right immunotherapies to the right patient populations."

As part of the contract, APC Therapeutics will receive development milestones and sales royalty payments.