(Alliance News) - Syncona Ltd on Wednesday said its medical research investee Autolus Ltd plans to prioritise the development of the Auto1 programme for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia due to the positive data from its phase 1/2 studies to date.
Syncona is a London-based healthcare company that focuses on founding, building, and funding a portfolio of life science businesses.
Autolus said the phase 1b/2 study for the Auto1 programme is now under way and the company plans to provide a full data read out from the study in 2022.
The company also said it intends to look for partnership opportunities to fund additional clinical development plans for its Auto3 programme in relapsed and refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which is currently in a phase 1/2 trial, before progressing to the next stage of development.
Syncona added it will implement cost savings on an annualised basis of approximately USD15 million by reducing its overall headcount by 20%.
"We believe the Auto1 programme for the treatment of adult [acute lymphoblastic leukemia] has the potential to be a stand-alone treatment for patients in an area of high unmet medical need and are fully supportive of Autolus' decision to prioritise this programme. The decisions to implement cost savings and ensure operational focus by looking to partner the Auto3 programme, are important to ensure delivery of the Auto1 programme and advance the company closer to commercialisation," said Chief Executive Martin Murphy.
Additionally, Syncona said David Brochu has been promoted to chief technology officer with expanded responsibilities from senior vice president, product delivery, and Senior Vice Presidents Adam Hacker and Nushmia Khokhar are to step down in the first quarter of 2021. A search for a new chief medical officer is ongoing, it added.
Shares in Syncona were down 2.6% at 262.00 pence in London on Wednesday.
By Zoe Wickens; zoewickens@alliancenews.com
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Syncona (SYNC)