Interview: Roche doubles down on immuno-oncology trial collaborations

Roche partnering exec Jason Coloma explains his company’s approach to developing the next wave of immuno-oncology therapies, through collaborations. In the fast-paced, high value world of immuno-oncology development, the number of potential combinations of therapies, including doublet and triplet regimens, is enormous. Recognizing that means you won’t have everything in-house and will need to establish external collaborations with a wide range companies, Roche exec Jason Coloma explains to “The Pink Sheet” Senior Writer Emily Hayes. In 2015, Roche set up a cancer immunotherapy committee to evaluate the many proposals for novel combinations, says Coloma, head of oncology and cancer immunotherapy partnering at Roche. The efforts translated into a variety of collaborations last year, with more on the way for 2016. There is a vast array of potential targets and it’s still unclear which therapies will make the best partners for PD-1/L1 checkpoint inhibitors, which are at the forefront of development. It’s safe to say the jury is still out as the data is being generated for particular indications, Coloma explains.