Two combination studies of duvelisib and obinutuzumab will likely be open before the end of 2014, according to Infinity Pharmaceuticals. Duvelisib, also known as IPI-145 is an oral inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) delta and gamma. Obinutuzumab, also known as Gazyva, is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. Recently approved, Gazyva may be prove to be superior to other anti-CD20 therapies such as rituximab.

In early September, Infinity which makes duvelisib entered into a master clinical supply agreement with Roche which makes Gazyva. Roche will supply Gazyva for two combination studies. The first will evaulate duvelisib in combination with Gazyva or rituximab in previously untreated indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The second study will combine duvelisib and Gazyva in patients with CLL whose disease has progressed following treatment with a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor such as ibrutinib. 

As part of the agreement with Roche, Infinity will also supply duvelisib to Roche for scientific research to evaulate the therapeutic potential of the combination. 

Infinity was busy this month. The company also launched a collaboration with Abbvie to further develop and commercialize duvelisib. Abbvie will make an initial payment of $275 mil. to Infinity, and the deal provides for up to $530 mil. in additional milestone payments. 

Ongoing studies with duvelisib include a Phase III monotherapy study in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL and a front-line monotherapy study. In the relapsed/refractory study, named DUO, 300 patients are being randomized to duvelisib or ofatumumab. Prviously presented data indicates an 89% (24/27) nodal response rate.