AMES, IA, USA I June 08, 2017 I NewLink Genetics Corporation (NASDAQ:NLNK) today announced that on June 6, 2017, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, informed NewLink Genetics that it intends to return the rights to IDO inhibitor GDC-0919 (navoximod) pursuant to the License Agreement dated October 16, 2014. As a consequence of such decision and pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the rights that NewLink Genetics had licensed to Genentech with respect to GDC-0919 will revert to NewLink Genetics when the termination becomes effective.  The research collaboration with Genentech for the discovery of next generation IDO/TDO (tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase) inhibitors continues. 

“We are obviously disappointed in this decision,” said Charles J. Link, Jr., M.D., Chief Executive Officer of NewLink Genetics. “We remain committed to advancing our IDO pathway inhibitor indoximod, which continues to generate exciting data in combination with anti-PD-1 agents, cancer vaccines, and chemotherapy in multiple cancer types including melanoma, prostate cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and pancreatic cancer.”

About NewLink Genetics Corporation

NewLink Genetics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing and commercializing novel immuno-oncology product candidates to improve the lives of patients with cancer. NewLink Genetics’ IDO pathway inhibitors are designed to harness multiple components of the immune system to combat cancer. Indoximod is being evaluated in combination with treatment regimens including anti-PD-1 agents, cancer vaccines, and chemotherapy across multiple indications such as melanoma, prostate cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and pancreatic cancer. For more information, please visit http://www.newlinkgenetics.com.

Conference Call Details

The Company has scheduled a conference call for 8:30 a.m. ET Thursday, June 8 to discuss this development. NewLink Genetics’ senior management team will host the call, which will be open to all listeners. There will also be a question and answer session following the prepared remarks.

SOURCE: NewLink Genetics