Innate Pharma SA (Euronext Paris: IPH; Nasdaq: IPHA) (“Innate” or the “Company”) recently announced that, subject to the closing of its strategic partnership with Sobi, it plans to initiate the TELLOMAK-3 confirmatory Phase 3 study of lacutamab in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Innate also announced the appointment of Markus Jensen as Chief Medical Officer and member of the Executive Leadership Team, effective September 1, 2026, succeeding Sonia Quaratino.
The planned initiation of the TELLOMAK-3 confirmatory Phase 3 study marks an important step for Innate as the Company enters a new phase of late-stage clinical and regulatory execution. Under the agreement, Innate will conduct the TELLOMAK-3 Phase 3 confirmatory trial in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, supporting a planned accelerated approval filing in Sézary syndrome (SS), based on TELLOMAK Phase 2 data. Alongside upcoming developments for IPH4502 and monalizumab, the Company is focused on executing its key clinical and regulatory priorities.
The financial proceeds from the agreement, including the upfront payment and near-term development milestones connected to Sézary syndrome, are intended to support the execution of TELLOMAK-3 and the filing to health authorities. The USD 75 million upfront payment, payable upon closing of the transaction, is expected to extend the Company’s projected cash runway through Q3 2027, allowing the filing for accelerated approval of lacutamab in SS. Closing of the transaction is subject to closing conditions, including the receipt of transaction-related antitrust clearance. The Company continues to explore other financing opportunities to support its strategic priorities.
Markus Jensen’s appointment as Chief Medical Officer provides continuity as the Company advances these priorities. Markus joined Innate Pharma in 2024 as head of clinical pharmacology and has served as global clinical lead for the Company’s key programs, including IPH4502. He holds a medical degree from the University of Cologne and is double board certified by Ärztekammer Nordrhein in Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology. He brings more than 25 years of experience spanning clinical medicine, academic research and the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Innate, he held leadership positions at Bayer for more than 16 years, with a particular focus on oncology and clinical development.
“This is a pivotal moment for Innate. Following the partnership with Sobi, we plan to advance lacutamab into the TELLOMAK-3 Phase 3 study, marking a major step toward our planned accelerated approval filing based on existing TELLOMAK Phase 2 data. Together with anticipated clinical results for IPH4502 and monalizumab, this represents the first of three important developments expected in 2026,” said Jonathan Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer of Innate Pharma. “I am grateful to Sonia for her outstanding leadership and contributions, and very pleased that Markus will take on the role of Chief Medical Officer as we enter this important phase of clinical and regulatory execution.”
“My time as Chief Medical Officer of Innate Pharma marked a period of significant clinical and regulatory advancement for the Company,” said Sonia Quaratino. “We have successfully advanced lacutamab closer to patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and completed enrollment in the Phase 1 for IPH4502, establishing a strong foundation for Markus to step into the role. His deep knowledge of Innate’s pipeline and collaboration with the team will ensure we sustain operational momentum across both lacutamab and IPH4502.”
“I am honored to take on the role of Chief Medical Officer at such an important time for Innate,” said Markus Jensen, Chief Medical Officer designate of Innate. “I look forward to working with our teams to execute TELLOMAK-3 with focus and commitment, while driving the next development milestones for our pipeline.”
