Boehringer Ingelheim: Takeover in immunooncology

Abexxa focusses on the development of specific antibodies to intracellular antigens presented by the non-classical MHC Class I molecule, HLA-E (human leucocyte antigens). This allows the development of cancer immunotherapies potentially targeting a broad range of cancer types.

While the Abexxa platform addresses the more common HLA-A2 peptide presentation, the company has developed specific expertise in the nonclassical MHC class 1 molecule HLA-E, which could potentially impact a broader set of cancer patients’ antigens.  More specifically, Abexxa has developed a first-in-class T-cell receptor (TCR)-like antibody that can be used to disrupt the NKG2A:HLA-E immune checkpoint axis in oncology.  Abexxa molecules are also being formulated to recruit immune cells targeting HLA-E peptide complexes on tumours. 

Boehringer Ingelheim has had its eyes on Abexxa ever since 2016, when the US biotech won initial investment funding from Boehringer Ingelheim’s Venture Fund. Later that year, Abexxa won Boehringer Ingelheim’s Innovation Prize.

“The acquisition of Abexxa bolsters our commitment to tumour-antigen discovery and new ways of targeting intracellular antigens,” commented Clive R. Wood, global head of Boehringer Ingelheim’s discovery research unit. “Their cutting-edge know-how and technologies for antigen discovery and novel antibody generation strongly complement the current approaches we have been applying successfully to enable immune-targeting of cancer cells.”

“By expanding our portfolio of antibodies binding novel intracellular tumor antigens, we are striving to develop unique and broadly applicable new immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer patients,” added Wood.