Coherus Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRS) and Zumutor Biologics Inc. announced a clinical collaboration and supply agreement to conduct a Phase 1 trial evaluating ZM008, an anti-LLT1 monoclonal antibody, in combination with Coherus' PD-1 inhibitor LOQTORZI (toripalimab-tpzi), according to a press release.

The trial (NCT06451497) will enroll up to 45 patients with colorectal, head and neck, non-small cell lung cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, urothelial cancers, and other solid tumors across dose-escalation and expansion cohorts in the United States. The study will assess safety, tolerability, and the recommended dose of ZM008.

Under the agreement, Coherus Oncology will supply LOQTORZI to Zumutor, which will serve as the trial sponsor. Both companies retain all commercial rights to their respective compounds, whether as monotherapies or combination therapies.

ZM008 was developed using Zumutor's proprietary INABLR antibody library. In an ongoing monotherapy study, the drug has shown no dose-limiting toxicities or anti-drug antibodies, and has demonstrated clinical benefit in metastatic patients previously treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

"This collaboration is another example of our strategy to expand potential LOQTORZI indications beyond NPC and strengthen the clinical data package in the US through cost-efficient drug supply agreements," said Theresa LaVallee, Ph.D., Chief Scientific and Development Officer at Coherus Oncology.

Zumutor, headquartered in Boston with research and development operations in Bangalore, was founded in 2015 and has raised approximately $33 million. The company focuses on NK cell checkpoint therapies.