Marker Therapeutics, Inc. has shared encouraging results from its Phase 1 APOLLO study, focusing on the treatment of lymphoma patients with MT-601, a multi-antigen recognizing (MAR) T cell product. The study, which includes patients who have relapsed after CD19-targeting CAR-T cell therapies, has shown objective responses at the first assessment, marking a significant achievement in the field.
Dr. Monic Stuart, CMO of Marker Therapeutics, expressed optimism about the findings, stating, "Observing objective responses at the first response assessment in patients who have been heavily pre-treated and have relapsed after 3 to 12 prior lines of therapy, including CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies, is a tremendous achievement." The company is hopeful about the potential benefits of MT-601 for patients and their families and plans to continue monitoring the long-term effects and durability of the response.
Despite the advancements in CD19-targeting CAR-T cell therapies, a significant portion of patients relapse within the first year of treatment, highlighting the urgent need for new therapies. MT-601 offers a novel approach by utilizing a non-genetically modified method to target six different tumor antigens, minimizing the risk of mutagenesis and severe side effects associated with current treatments.
Juan Vera, M.D., President and CEO of Marker Therapeutics, emphasized the importance of MT-601 in addressing the unmet medical needs of a growing patient population. The company is committed to further validating these observations through additional participant enrollment in the Phase 1 study, aiming to gather comprehensive safety and durability data.
The APOLLO trial is a multicenter, open-label study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MT-601 in participants with relapsed or refractory lymphoma. The study anticipates enrolling up to approximately 30 participants across nine clinical sites in the United States during the dose escalation phase.
Marker Therapeutics' innovative MAR-T cell platform represents a significant advancement in T cell-based immunotherapies, offering a safer and potentially more effective treatment option for patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The company's commitment to operational excellence and financial resource preservation underscores its dedication to improving patient outcomes through novel T cell therapies.
