Moderna has achieved a significant milestone in its oncology pipeline by dosing the first patient in a Phase 1/2 study of mRNA-2808, an investigational mRNA-based T-cell engager therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The first dose was administered at SCRI Oncology Partners in Nashville, Tennessee, in collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI).
Novel Multiplexed Approach Targets Multiple Antigens
mRNA-2808 represents an innovative multiplexed therapy that encodes three T-cell engagers (TCEs) targeting three validated myeloma-associated antigens. This novel strategy aims to address tumor heterogeneity and overcome known mechanisms of target-mediated resistance that have limited the effectiveness of current multiple myeloma treatments.
"This is an important milestone as it is Moderna's first T-cell engager therapy to be dosed in a patient," said Dr. Kyle Holen, Head of Development, Oncology at Moderna. "Given the vast unmet needs in multiple myeloma, I believe we can help improve the lives of these patients with innovative therapies."
Addressing Treatment Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
The development of mRNA-2808 addresses a critical challenge in multiple myeloma treatment, where patients inevitably develop resistance to available therapies. Dr. Hans Lee, Director of Myeloma Research at SCRI and Hematologist and Medical Oncologist at SCRI Oncology Partners, emphasized the complexity of the disease.
"Multiple myeloma is a complex cancer with many patients inevitably developing a resistance to available therapies, and attaining sustained disease control remains a challenge," Dr. Lee stated. "mRNA-based therapies could change the way we think about treating cancers like multiple myeloma, and we are proud to provide our patients with access to this clinical trial."
Platform Advantages and Study Design
Moderna's mRNA platform uniquely enables the multiplexing of several T-cell engager targets, designed to attack the disease from multiple angles to overcome, reduce and prevent escape mechanisms. Dr. Holen noted that this represents the first of what the company hopes will be many T-cell engager therapies as part of their mission to transform cancer care.
The study (NCT07116616) is structured as a dose escalation study evaluating the safety and tolerability of mRNA-2808 in RRMM patients aged 18 years and older. The trial represents a collaborative effort between Moderna and SCRI to bring innovative therapeutic approaches to patients with limited treatment options.
