Multiple myeloma (MM) represents about 10% of all blood cancers, remaining an incurable disease with a 5-year overall survival rate of 56%. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a receptor in the cell surface that is highly expressed in malignant plasma cells, and in normal cells, that promotes cell proliferation and survival by binding to APRIL and BAFF ligands.
G-protein coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) is a tumor-associated receptor that is highly expressed in multiple myeloma (MM) and is a potential target for therapy in MM. Preclinical data have been presented for FT-555, an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived CAR-NK (CAR-iNK) cell product that exerts dual targeting on GPRC5D and CD38 in combination with daratumumab.
Researchers from Cytovia Therapeutics Inc. have presented preclinical data for the novel natural killer (NK) cell engager antibody CYT-338, which was designed using the proprietary FLEX-NKTM platform. CYT-338 contains a novel FLEX-linker to redirect NK cells expressing NKp46 activation receptor to kill CD38-expressing tumors, including multiple myeloma (MM). It was observed that the addition of CYT-338 led to dose-dependent enhancement iNK and PBNK cytolysis of the MM tumor spheroids.
Researchers from Kbluebio Inc. and affiliated organizations recently reported the discovery and preclinical evaluation of a novel prohibitin-2 (PHB2) ligand as a potential candidate for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM).
Starton Therapeutics Inc. has reported findings from a preclinical efficacy study of STAR-LLD, a continuous delivery system of lenalidomide, in a lenalidomide-resistant animal model. The 28-day efficacy study evaluated STAR-LLD continuous subcutaneous (s.c.) infusion versus intraperitoneal (i.p.) lenalidomide in immunomodulatory drug (IMiD)-resistant RPMI CB.17 SCID mice.
Ichnos Sciences Inc. has presented data on the first-in-class trispecific BCMA and CD38 T-cell engager ISB-2001, which is based on the company’s TREAT (Trispecific Engagement by Antibodies based on the TCR) technology. The compound targets CD3 on T cells and cotargets BCMA and CD38 on multiple myeloma (MM) cells.
Arcellx Inc. signed a deal that could be worth almost $4 billion with Gilead Sciences Inc.’s unit Kite Pharma Inc. to push forward Arcellx's lead late-stage candidate CART-ddBCMA for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The arrangement brings $225 million up front plus an equity investment of $100 million, along with as much as $3.9 billion in milestone payments. Arcellx CEO Rami Elghandour said the firm sorted through a number of suitors interested in the program. Data at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting “catalyzed a number of discussions and a broad set of interests. We felt of the possibilities out there, [Kite/Gilead is] the partner of choice in this space.”
Shares of Oncopeptides AB dropped 35% Dec. 7 on the U.S. FDA’s request to withdraw marketing authorization of Pepaxto (melflufen), a drug that had gained accelerated approval in early 2021 for use in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The move followed a negative advisory committee vote in September 2022 and is based on the outcome of the confirmatory phase III Ocean study.
Sana Biotechnology Inc. has outlined the status of its pipeline following a portfolio prioritization. The company remains on track to file an IND this year for SC-291, the company's HIP-modified, CD19-targeted allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy, with initial clinical data expected next year.
