Researchers from Caribou Biosciences Inc. presented preclinical data for the novel BCMA-specific allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy candidate, CB-011, being developed for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. A genome editing strategy was implemented in the production of CB-011 to blunt CAR T-cell rejection by both patient T cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
Researchers from Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer and affiliated organizations have reported the development of novel dual CD19/BCMA CAR T cells, referred to as ARI-0003, developed through co-transduction of two lentiviral vectors encoding CARs targeting CD19 (ARI-0001) and BCMA (ARI-0002h).
Coeptis Therapeutics Holdings Inc. has entered into a sponsored research agreement with the University of Pittsburgh to advance preclinical development of SNAP-CAR T cells targeting HER2, and to explore opportunities to expand the applicability of SNAP-CAR in oncology.
Sana Biotechnology Inc. has received FDA clearance of its IND application to initiate a first-in-human study of SC-291 in patients with various B-cell malignancies. Initial clinical data from the study are expected later this year. SC-291 is a CD19-targeted allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy developed using Sana's hypoimmune platform.
Immpact Bio USA Inc. has announced clearance of its IND application by the FDA for IMPT-314, a bispecific OR-Gate autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting the B-cell antigens CD19 and CD20.
Poolbeg Pharma plc is expanding its evaluation of POLB-001 into oncology after findings indicated POLB-001's potential to dampen the pro-inflammatory cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for cancer.
Invectys Inc. and CTMC, a joint venture between MD Anderson Cancer Center and National Resilience Inc., have announced FDA clearance of an IND application for a phase I/IIa study of IVS-3001, Invectys' lead engineered human leukocyte antigen A (HLA-G)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are astounding. In B-cell cancers, they have been transformative. Yet engineering-wise, CAR T cells are in the equivalent of the Model T era. CAR T-cell engineering has already evolved, with the addition of costimulatory domains, which affect cell expansion and signaling. But once the cells are injected into a patient, there is really no way to affect their behavior.