Arovella Therapeutics (ASX:ALA) has announced the receipt of a $3.0 million Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive refund, with an additional $0.3 million expected shortly, bolstering its financial position as it advances ALA-101 towards clinical trials. The funding will support the development of ALA-101, a CAR-T cell therapy designed to treat CD19-positive blood cancers.
Advancing ALA-101 CAR-T Cell Therapy
ALA-101 is a CAR-T cell therapy targeting CD19-positive blood cancers, including B-cell lymphomas and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The therapy employs CAR-iNKT cells, engineered to improve the efficacy and safety profiles of traditional CAR-T cell treatments. By targeting the CD19 protein, ALA-101 aims to selectively eliminate cancerous B-cells, offering a potentially more effective and safer treatment option for patients with these hematologic malignancies.
Strategic Clinical Advisory Board Formation
To guide the clinical development of ALA-101, Arovella has established a Clinical Advisory Board (CAB) consisting of three prominent oncologists. This board will provide expert guidance as the company prepares its investigational new drug (IND) application and initiates its Phase 1 clinical trial targeting CD19-positive blood cancers. The CAB includes Dr. Salvatore Fiorenza from Epworth Healthcare and Professor Sattva Neelapu from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, both renowned for their expertise in CAR-T cell therapies. Their insights will be crucial in optimizing the clinical trial design and execution.
Dr Michael Baker, CEO of Arovella, stated, “The R&D Tax Incentive scheme provides valuable support for companies such as Arovella, and we look forward to using these funds to advance our programs towards the clinic.” The formation of the CAB and the receipt of the R&D tax incentive represent significant steps forward for Arovella as it seeks to bring innovative CAR-T cell therapies to patients in need.
