Singapore: HUYA Bioscience International has signed an exclusive license with Fudan University for the ex-China rights to a series of novel immuno-oncology drug candidates discovered by Fudan researchers.

The agreement includes a panel of novel inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) developed for more than 10 years by the research group of professor Qing Yang of the School of Life Sciences at Fudan University. The IDO pathway is one of several immune response checkpoints thought to play an important role in suppressing T-cell function, allowing tumors to avoid immune surveillance. HUYA plans to advance the products into clinical testing in parallel with the ongoing development of HBI-8000, HUYA's novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, which has been shown to demonstrate its own immunomodulatory properties.

"HUYA was the first company to recognize China's potential as an important source of innovative preclinical stage compounds for worldwide development," said Dr Mireille Gillings, CEO and Executive Chair, HUYA. "We are pleased to continue HUYA's track record of identifying the most promising new therapeutics from premier institutions in China, in this case with Fudan University, which produces world class researchers and science."

Dr. Li Jin,Vice-president of Fudan University & Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences said, "We are pleased to be working with HUYA on this program. Their expertise will help to maximize global value and showcase Fudan's world-class research capabilities."

The agreement with Fudan builds relationships with important research institutions in China that are leading a new generation of innovation in life sciences.

"These new IDO compounds will dramatically expand our immuno-oncology platform, enabling combination therapy with other drugs to address the limitations of immune therapy due to checkpoint T cell suppression," said Bob Goodenow, HUYA's CBO.