AstraZeneca, Pharmacyclics partner to evaluate efficacy of IMBRUVICA for solid tumors

Nov 4 2014

AstraZeneca and Pharmacyclics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCYC) today announced that they have entered into a clinical trial collaboration to evaluate a novel combination therapy targeting solid tumors.

The collaboration will evaluate the efficacy and safety of IMBRUVICA^® (ibrutinib), Pharmacyclics' oral Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in combination with AstraZeneca's anti-PD-L1 antibody, MEDI4736. Preclinical evidence suggests that the combination of IMBRUVICA with this investigational medicine may enhance their effects.

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca and Pharmacyclics will collaborate on a non-exclusive basis and multiple studies may be considered and conducted. These studies will be led by Pharmacyclics.

The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. The results of the clinical studies will be used to determine whether further clinical development of the different combinations is warranted.

"We are extremely interested in the potential for IMBRUVICA in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody to improve the treatment of solid tumors in patients who need better therapeutic options," said Bob Duggan, Chairman & CEO, Pharmacyclics.

IMBRUVICA is being developed and commercialized jointly by Pharmacyclics and Janssen Biotech, Inc.