French firm Inotrem S.A., a biotechnology company specialized in the development of immunotherapies targeting the TREM-1 pathway with potential applications for acute and chronic inflammatory syndromes, has announced that it has entered a worldwide licensing agreement with Roche Diagnostics for the commercialization of a mechanism-based companion diagnostic test using a soluble plasma protein (sTREM-1).

This agreement consolidates existing ties between Roche Diagnostics and Inotrem who are jointly developing since 2017 an in vitro assay for measurement of sTREM-1 in plasma samples of septic shock patients. Measurement of sTREM-1 in blood provides a valuable indicator for the severity and outcome prediction of septic shock patients.

Inotrem has recently initiated its Phase IIb study in septic shock patients (ASTONISH trial) and enrolled its first patient. The study aims at demonstrating efficacy of its lead compound, nangibotide, and bring a clinically relevant proof of clinical activity in septic shock patients. This study also intends to confirm the value of soluble TREM-1 as a potential companion diagnostic test to identify patients more likely to benefit from nangibotide treatment.