By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : October 23, 2025 5:12 pm
The acquisition centers on ImCheck’s lead Phase I/II program, ICT01, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting BTN3A
Ipsen and ImCheck Therapeutics have entered into a definitive share purchase agreement under which Ipsen will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of ImCheck Therapeutics, a privately held French biotechnology company pioneering next-generation immuno-oncology therapies.
The acquisition centers on ImCheck’s lead Phase I/II program, ICT01, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting BTN3A, a key immune-regulatory molecule broadly expressed across multiple cancers.
ICT01 is currently being evaluated in first-line acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy—a high-risk population with significant unmet medical needs. The program received Orphan Drug Designations from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency in July 2025.
Many AML patients are unable to undergo intensive chemotherapy and must depend on lower-intensity regimens that often provide limited and short-lived benefits. ICT01 offers a novel immunotherapy approach that may improve both survival and quality of life for these patients.
“At completion, the acquisition of ImCheck Therapeutics presents an exciting opportunity for Ipsen to expand our oncology pipeline and reinforces our commitment to bringing transformative therapies to patients worldwide,” said David Loew, CEO of Ipsen. “With the promising data from ICT01 and Ipsen’s global development and commercialization expertise, we are well positioned to advance this program into a Phase IIb/III trial in 2026.”
Pierre d’Epenoux, CEO of ImCheck Therapeutics, added: “We are thrilled to join Ipsen, a company whose vision for transformative care aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative treatments to patients. This transaction recognizes the pioneering science emerging from French academia and the exceptional work of the ImCheck team and our partners in advancing the understanding of butyrophilins and gamma delta T cells. Together with Ipsen, we look forward to accelerating ICT01 toward registrational studies and commercialization. We remain deeply grateful to the patients, partners, and investors who have supported ImCheck’s journey.”
The acquisition of ImCheck Therapeutics strengthens Ipsen’s position as a leader in oncology and marks a significant step forward in its strategy to develop next-generation immunotherapies that address critical unmet needs in cancer care.