Immutep Secures $20M Upfront in Global Deal for Cancer Drug Efti

Strategic Licensing Expands Efti’s Global Reach

Immutep Limited, an Australian biotechnology company pioneering immunotherapies for cancer, has entered a significant collaboration with India-based pharmaceutical giant Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. The agreement grants Dr. Reddy’s exclusive rights to develop and commercialise Immutep’s novel oncology drug, Eftilagimod Alfa (Efti), in all countries outside North America, Europe, Japan, and Greater China. This deal marks a major step in broadening the drug’s global footprint, particularly in emerging markets.

Under the terms, Immutep will receive an upfront payment of USD 20 million (approximately AUD 30.2 million), alongside potential regulatory and commercial milestone payments that could total up to USD 349.5 million (around AUD 528.4 million). Additionally, Immutep stands to earn double-digit royalties on sales within the licensed territories, providing a recurring revenue stream as Efti advances commercially.

Efti’s Promise in Cancer Immunotherapy

Eftilagimod Alfa is a first-in-class immunotherapy designed to activate the immune system’s antigen-presenting cells, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to fight cancer. Currently, Efti is undergoing a pivotal Phase III clinical trial (TACTI-004/KEYNOTE-F91) targeting advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as a first-line treatment. Beyond lung cancer, the drug is also being explored in other solid tumors including head and neck, breast, and soft tissue sarcomas.

Its novel mechanism and favourable safety profile have earned Efti Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA for first-line treatment in NSCLC and head and neck cancers, underscoring its potential to become a new standard of care, especially in combination with existing therapies like pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) and chemotherapy.

Maintaining Control While Leveraging Partnerships

Importantly, Immutep retains global manufacturing rights for Efti and will supply the drug to Dr. Reddy’s for the licensed markets. The company also preserves full commercial rights in major pharmaceutical markets including North America, Europe, and Japan, positioning itself to capture significant value as the drug progresses through regulatory approvals and market launches.

Dr. Reddy’s CEO for Branded Markets, M.V. Ramana, highlighted the collaboration as a strategic move to bring innovative cancer therapies to patients in emerging markets, leveraging Dr. Reddy’s extensive commercial infrastructure. Meanwhile, Immutep’s CEO, Marc Voigt, emphasized the deal’s validation of Efti’s potential and the balanced approach of partnering while maintaining control over key markets.

Looking Ahead

This partnership not only injects immediate capital into Immutep but also aligns with its long-term vision of expanding Efti’s reach globally. The success of this collaboration will depend on clinical trial outcomes, regulatory milestones, and commercial execution in diverse markets. For investors, the deal signals growing confidence in Efti’s promise and Immutep’s strategic acumen in navigating the competitive oncology landscape.