Ipsen to Acquire ImCheck Therapeutics to Boost Immuno-Oncology Pipeline

Ipsen has announced plans to acquire ImCheck Therapeutics, a private French biotechnology company developing next-generation immuno-oncology treatments, in a deal that expands Ipsen’s oncology portfolio and pipeline.

The acquisition centers on ImCheck’s lead candidate, ICT01, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting BTN3A, an immune-regulatory molecule widely expressed across cancers. ICT01 is currently being studied in Phase I/II trials for first-line acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy — a group with limited treatment options and poor survival outcomes. The drug has received Orphan Drug Designation from both the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency.

David Loew, CEO of Ipsen, said the deal reinforces the company’s focus on transformative cancer care. “With ICT01’s promising data, combined with Ipsen’s global development and commercialization expertise, we are well positioned to start a Phase IIb/III trial in 2026,” he said.

Interim results from the EVICTION trial, presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting, showed that ICT01 combined with venetoclax and azacitidine (Ven-Aza) nearly doubled treatment response rates compared to historical standards across all molecular subtypes of newly diagnosed AML, including those typically less responsive to standard care. The combination was also well tolerated, supporting ICT01’s potential as a novel immunotherapy for AML.

Pierre d’Epenoux, CEO of ImCheck Therapeutics, said joining Ipsen will accelerate the program’s development. “This transaction recognizes groundbreaking science originating from French academia and highlights the outstanding work of our team,” he said. “Becoming part of Ipsen will help us advance ICT01 toward registrational studies and eventual commercialization.”

The acquisition will strengthen Ipsen’s presence in oncology and marks a significant step in advancing innovative immunotherapies for patients with limited treatment options. The transaction is expected to close following customary regulatory approvals.