MagicRNA Biotechnology has reported encouraging first-in-human clinical data for HN2301, the world's first in vivo CAR-T therapy to enter clinical testing for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The investigational treatment successfully reprogrammed patient T-cells into functional CAR-T cells directly within the body, achieving significant therapeutic outcomes in five lupus patients.
Rapid T-Cell Reprogramming and B-Cell Depletion
At the minimal dose of 2 mg per infusion, single or repeated administration of HN2301 induced CAR-T cell generation and B-cell reduction. At a slightly higher dose of 4 mg per infusion, the therapy demonstrated remarkable efficiency, reprogramming up to 60% of CD8+ CAR+ T-cells within six hours of administration.
This rapid reprogramming led to complete depletion of circulating B cells, which persisted for 7-10 days. The B-cell depletion was accompanied by significant decreases in anti-nucleosome and anti-dsDNA antibodies, key markers of lupus disease activity. Additionally, low complement levels in some patients normalized at the last visit, indicating improved immune system function.
Significant Clinical Improvements
All five patients in the study experienced substantial clinical benefits. Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2000) scores significantly decreased by as much as 20 points in all patients three months after HN2301 infusion, demonstrating meaningful reduction in lupus disease activity across multiple organ systems.
Favorable Safety Profile
The treatment was generally well tolerated across all dose levels tested. Notably, no patients experienced grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a potentially serious side effect associated with traditional CAR-T therapies. No neurotoxic effects or other severe adverse events were observed during or after treatment, suggesting a more manageable safety profile compared to conventional CAR-T approaches.
Novel Technology Platform
HN2301 represents a breakthrough in CAR-T technology, utilizing MagicRNA's proprietary Engineered Cell-targeted lipid nanoparticle (EnC-LNP) platform. The therapy encapsulates CD19 CAR-encoding mRNA in specialized nanoparticles that target T-cells directly, enabling in vivo reprogramming without the need for ex vivo cell manipulation required by traditional CAR-T therapies.
In preclinical studies, including nonhuman primates and mouse models, HN2301 achieved rapid and robust CAR-T reprogramming and complete depletion of B cells in both blood and tissues, supporting the clinical findings.
Addressing Unmet Medical Need
Systemic lupus erythematosus affects an estimated 3.4 million people globally, with a prevalence of approximately 44 per 100,000 individuals. The disease disproportionately affects women of childbearing age and is characterized by immune-mediated inflammation and tissue damage across multiple organs. Traditional treatments, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics, can help control symptoms, but many patients continue to experience recurrent relapses driving progressive tissue damage and life-threatening complications.
B cells play a pivotal role in SLE pathogenesis by producing autoantibodies, and the "B cell reset"-induced drug-free remission of SLE has been extensively validated by clinical reports, providing strong rationale for HN2301's mechanism of action.
Future Development Plans
Based on these encouraging clinical results, MagicRNA will continue dose-escalation studies to further evaluate HN2301's ability to achieve immune reset and long-term drug-free remission. The company aims to accelerate clinical development with the goal of bringing this therapy to patients worldwide.
MagicRNA, founded in 2021, is advancing a pipeline of in vivo cell reprogramming therapeutics and cell-targeted LNP-based medicines across immune-related diseases, positioning itself as a leader in engineered cell-targeted LNP therapeutics.
