Immunotherapy specialist Scancell Holdings PLC (LON:SCLP) has exercised an option to in-licence delivery technology for its lead drug candidate.
It has inked a deal with Ichor Medical Systems, which has developed the TriGrid 2.0 electroporation system.
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TriGrid will now be used in harness with Scancell's SCIB1 vaccine, a melanoma treatment.
Specifically, it will be deployed in an upcoming Phase II clinical trial in which the Scancell drug candidate is being deployed alongside a checkpoint inhibitor.
Vital component
Chief executive Cliff Holloway said: "Ichor's proprietary TriGrid electroporation delivery system is a vital component for the delivery of our SCIB1 vaccine and in particular, to our upcoming US clinical study of SCIB1 in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor, which is expected to commence later this year.
“The exercise of this commercial option is a further key milestone in bringing this important new treatment to the market."
The company said an option fee will be paid. Ichor will receive further cash once certain developmental milestones are passed.
Scancell has also agreed an extension for the exercise of share options granted to Ichor as part of the initial deal.