Innate Pharma Advances Cancer Treatment with New Study and Leadership Change
Innate Pharma SA, a biotechnology company focusing on cancer treatments, has announced exciting developments for its future. The company plans to begin a crucial Phase 3 study called TELLOMAK-3 for its drug lacutamab, which targets cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). This move comes after securing a strategic partnership with Sobi, which is pivotal for their growth.
Alongside this announcement, Innate Pharma has appointed Markus Jensen as its new Chief Medical Officer, effective September 1, 2026. He will succeed Sonia Quaratino, who has played a vital role in the company’s progress.
The TELLOMAK-3 study is an important step in the late-stage clinical process for Innate. Under this new partnership, the company aims to gather data that could help in filing for accelerated approval of lacutamab for Sézary syndrome (SS), a serious form of CTCL, based on positive results from previous studies.
Innate is set to receive an upfront payment of $75 million upon closing the partnership, which will help fund the TELLOMAK-3 study and assist in gaining necessary approvals from health authorities. This financial boost is expected to extend the company’s operational funds into the third quarter of 2027. However, completion of this agreement is still pending approval related to antitrust regulations.
Markus Jensen brings extensive experience to his new role. Joining Innate in 2024 as head of clinical pharmacology, he has led important clinical programs like IPH4502. With a medical degree from the University of Cologne and over 25 years in the field, including leadership roles at Bayer, he is well-equipped to drive the company’s clinical objectives forward.
Jonathan Dickinson, CEO of Innate Pharma, expressed optimism about these developments, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for Innate. With the partnership with Sobi, we’re ready to push lacutamab into the TELLOMAK-3 study, moving closer to our goal of accelerated approval.”
Sonia Quaratino reflected positively on her time as Chief Medical Officer, noting the significant advancements made under her leadership, particularly in bringing lacutamab closer to patients.
Markus Jensen also expressed enthusiasm for his new position, stating, “I am honored to take on the role of Chief Medical Officer at such an important time for Innate. I look forward to working with our teams to carry out TELLOMAK-3.”
These strategic changes and studies mark a significant chapter for Innate Pharma as it aims to make meaningful strides in cancer treatment.
