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Immunocore is a global commercial-stage
T cell receptors (TCRs) are molecules found on the surface of
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biotechnology
Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that involves the integration of natural sciences and Engineering Science, engineering sciences in order to achieve the application of organisms and parts thereof for products and services. Specialists ...
company, based in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire ( ; abbreviated ''Oxon'') is a ceremonial county in South East England. The county is bordered by Northamptonshire and Warwickshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the east, Berkshire to the south, and Wiltshire and Glouceste ...
, which researches and develops biological drugs using soluble T-cell receptor
The T-cell receptor (TCR) is a protein complex, located on the surface of T cells (also called T lymphocytes). They are responsible for recognizing fragments of antigen as peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. ...
technology.
History
Immunocore was founded in 2008 as a spinout of MediGene AG, which acquired Avidex in 2006. The core technology wasspun out
''Spun Out'' is a Canadian television sitcom created by Jeff Biederman, Brent Piaskoski and Brian K. Roberts for CTV. It premiered on March 6, 2014 and ended on October 3, 2015, with a total of 26 episodes over the course of two seasons.
Premise ...
of Oxford University in 1999 by Bent Jakobsen into Avidex Ltd.
In July 2015, Immunocore announced the completion of an initial $320 million private financing round, Europe's largest ever financing round by a private life sciences company. Fidelity Management & Research Company, Woodford Investment Management, Malin Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company, and RTW Investments all participated in this fundraise along with other unnamed investors and existing shareholders.
In September 2017, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is an American private foundation founded by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. Based in Seattle, Washington, it was launched in 2000 and is reported to be List of wealthiest charitable foundations, the third largest char ...
announced a $40 million investment in Immunocore to accelerate the development of Immunocore's ImmTAV and ImmTAB therapeutics.
In March 2020, Immunocore announced the closing of its $130 million Series B private financing round. In January 2021, Immunocore announced the closing of its $75 million Series C round. Immunocore went public in February 2021, with closing announced on 9 February 2021.
Scientific background
T cell receptors (TCRs) are molecules found on the surface of T lymphocytes
T cells (also known as T lymphocytes) are an important part of the immune system and play a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells can be distinguished from other lymphocytes
A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell (leukoc ...
(or T cells) and play various roles in the immune system
The immune system is a network of biological systems that protects an organism from diseases. It detects and responds to a wide variety of pathogens, from viruses to bacteria, as well as Tumor immunology, cancer cells, Parasitic worm, parasitic ...
. TCRs are often cited as aiding in recognising foreign antigen
In immunology, an antigen (Ag) is a molecule, moiety, foreign particulate matter, or an allergen, such as pollen, that can bind to a specific antibody or T-cell receptor. The presence of antigens in the body may trigger an immune response.
...
s being presented by cells
Cell most often refers to:
* Cell (biology), the functional basic unit of life
* Cellphone, a phone connected to a cellular network
* Clandestine cell, a penetration-resistant form of a secret or outlawed organization
* Electrochemical cell, a d ...
which have been infected by viruses or intracellular bacteria. Immunocore has developed a line of biologic medicines by combining engineered, cancer-recognising, soluble TCRs with immune activating complexes that direct the immune system to kill cancer cells. These drugs are commonly referred to as immune-mobilising monoclonal TCRs against cancer (ImmTAC molecules).
Clinical pipeline
IMCgp100 (Tebentafusp)
Tebentafusp is a soluble, bi-specific t cell engager. On 23 November 2020, Immunocore announced a Phase 3 data readout for tebentafusp in the field of immuno-oncology. In Jan 2022 theUS FDA
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or US FDA) is a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food ...
approved tebentafusp-tebn for HLA-A*02:01-positive adult patients with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma
Uveal melanoma is a type of eye cancer in the uvea of the eye. It is traditionally classed as originating in the iris, choroid, and ciliary body, but can also be divided into class I (low metastatic risk) and class II (high metastatic risk). S ...
.''FDA approves tebentafusp-tebn for unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma'' Jan 2022/ref>
Other Pipeline Programs
Immunocore's other pipeline programs include IMC-C103C, an ImmTAC candidate in Phase 1 partnered with Genentech for the treatment of solid tumors expressing MAGE-A4, and IMC-F106C, an ImmTAC candidate which is also in Phase 1 studies for solid tumors expressing PRAME. Earlier programs include candidates for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Corporate governance
Sir John Bell serves as Immunocore'schairman of the board
The chair, also chairman, chairwoman, or chairperson, is the presiding officer of an organized group such as a Board of directors, board, committee, or deliberative assembly. The person holding the office, who is typically elected or appointed by ...
. Bahija Jallal is chief executive officer
A chief executive officer (CEO), also known as a chief executive or managing director, is the top-ranking corporate officer charged with the management of an organization, usually a company or a nonprofit organization.
CEOs find roles in variou ...
and director of the board.
See also
* Antibody-drug conjugate *Immunostimulant
Immunostimulants, also known as immunostimulators, are substances (drugs and nutrients) that stimulate the immune system usually in a non-specific manner by inducing activation or increasing activity of any of its components. One notable example i ...
References
External links
* {{Authority control Immunomodulating drugs Biotechnology companies of the United Kingdom Pharmaceutical companies established in 2008 Biotechnology companies established in 2008 2008 establishments in the United Kingdom