Pfizer & Imcyse form research collaboration targeting rheumatoid arthritis

A research collaboration for the development of a specific modified peptide targeting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been formed between Pfizer and Imcyse — a biotechnology company developing specific therapies for the treatment of severe chronic diseases.

Imcyse’s specified modified peptides — Imotopes — induce a unique type of T-cell, cytolytic T-cells. These actively and specifically kill immune cells that are known to be involved in auto-immune diseases such as RA and multiple sclerosis (MS). The company reports that treatment with a specific Imotope has the potential to disrupt the immune response that drives the process of destruction of healthy cells.

“We are pleased to announce this collaboration with Pfizer, as it further demonstrates the potential of our Imotope technology and its potential application to pharmaceutical research,” said Pierre Vandepapelière, CEO of Imcyse. “The collaboration with Pfizer in these two fields of application will help us confirm the potential for our technology in others.”

As part of the agreement, Pfizer will provide an undisclosed amount in funding for the research activities and will have an exclusive option to negotiate a licence agreement for a limited time once the research activities are completed.

Furthermore, Pfizer will perform preclinical evaluation of another of Imcyse’s Imotopes targeting MS to better understand the mode of action of the technology platform. Imcyse will have access to select technology platforms at Pfizer as well as all research results related to this collaboration.