E7046 is an orally administered investigational prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) selective EP4 receptor antagonist, discovered by Eisai's US Andover research facility. It is suggested that PGE2 signals through EP4 receptors, may suppress the anti tumour activity of immune cells.
By inhibiting EP4, E7046 is expected to act on the tumour microenvironment via a different mechanism to immune checkpoint inhibitors to potentially demonstrate anti tumour effects.
Currently, E7046 is being investigated as a monotherapy in a Phase I clinical study as well as a Phase Ib clinical study in combination with radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy.
Under this agreement, Eisai will receive from Adlai Nortye a one-time payment, milestone payments in accordance with the progress of development, as well as certain royalties according to sales revenue after launch.
Adlai Nortye is a science-led clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercialising new and effective immunotherapy for patients with cancer.
Eisai positions oncology as a key therapeutic area and is aiming to discover revolutionary new medicines with the potential to cure cancer.
By licensing E7046 to Adlai Nortye, which is developing several tumour immunotherapies that have synergies with E7046, Eisai aims to maximise the value of the agent in order to hopefully contribute to the treatment of patients in the future who need tumour immunotherapies as soon as possible.