The FDA has granted approval to obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel; Aucatzyl), a CAR T-cell therapy, for the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This decision was based on the phase 1b/2 FELIX trial (NCT04404660), which demonstrated favorable efficacy in patients with varying leukemic burdens.
Obecabtagene Autoleucel Approval
The FELIX trial's primary endpoint was the overall remission rate, assessed by independent review. Secondary endpoints included duration of remission, measurable residual disease-negative remission rate, safety, and CAR T expansion and persistence. Patients underwent lymphodepletion with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide before receiving obe-cel as a split dose, targeting 410 x 10^6 CAR T cells.
Advancements in Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Recent developments in SCLC management have introduced transformative therapies and promising trial results. The phase 2 DeLLphi-301 study (NCT05060016), the ADRIATIC study (NCT03703297), and the IMforte study (NCT05091567) are among the trials driving these advancements. Ariel Lopez-Chavez, MD, highlighted the shifting treatment landscape, noting the emergence of lurbinectedin and tarlatamab as preferred agents due to their improved toxicity profiles compared to older treatments like topotecan and irinotecan.
"For years, the only things we had were topotecan and irinotecan, but as of May of 2020, we got the approval of lurbinectedin. Then more recently, we got the approval of tarlatamab in the second-line setting. Now, we have 4 agents," said Lopez-Chavez.
LBL-034 for Multiple Myeloma
The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to LBL-034, a humanized, bispecific T-cell-engaging antibody targeting GPRC5D and CD3, for the treatment of multiple myeloma. This agent is being evaluated in a phase 1/2 trial (NCT06049290). Phase 1 will assess dose escalation and expansion, while phase 2 will evaluate efficacy. LBL-034 is designed with increased potency and a reduced risk of T-cell exhaustion compared to other agents in its class.
"It is urgent to develop new and more effective treatment options. LBL-034 adopts a unique molecular design, and the preliminary clinical results indicate its promising antitumor efficacy and safety," said Charles Cai, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of Leads Biolabs.
