Breakthroughs in Lymphoma Treatment: CD20 Bispecific Antibodies
At the forefront of lymphoma treatment advancements, CD20 bispecific antibodies have emerged as a promising therapeutic option, as evidenced by recent clinical trial results presented at the American Society of Haematology (ASH) meeting. Roche's Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab), already approved in the EU for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL), is under FDA review with a decision expected by 29 December. This drug represents a significant milestone as the first in its class to reach the market, offering an "off-the-shelf" alternative to the more complex CAR-T therapies.
Regeneron's Odronextamab: A New Challenger
Regeneron's odronextamab has shown promising results in phase 2 trials for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The drug demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 49% in CAR-T-naïve patients, with 31% achieving complete responses (CR). Even in patients previously treated with CAR-T therapies, odronextamab maintained an ORR of 48% and a CR of 32%. Despite its efficacy, safety concerns have been noted, with 10% of patients discontinuing treatment due to side effects and five deaths potentially related to the treatment.
AbbVie and Genmab's Epcoritamab: Subcutaneous Administration Advantage
AbbVie and Genmab's epcoritamab, which can be administered subcutaneously, has also shown encouraging results. With an 85% ORR in DLBCL patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplant, including 67% complete metabolic responses (CMR), epcoritamab is slightly ahead in development, having been filed for approval in the US last month. The drug's combination with rituximab and lenalidomide in previously treated FL patients resulted in an 80% CMR and 15% partial metabolic response (PMR), improving to 86% and 8% respectively in previously untreated patients.
Roche's Continued Innovation
Roche is not resting on its laurels, developing a subcutaneous formulation of Lunsumio and another IV CD20xCD3 bispecific, glofitamab, which is also under regulatory review for DLBCL. New data presented at ASH showed a 39% CR rate with glofitamab after a year's follow-up in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who had received at least two lines of therapy previously. The discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 9%, with no treatment-related deaths reported.
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of lymphoma treatment research, with CD20 bispecific antibodies offering new hope for patients with relapsed or refractory forms of the disease. As these therapies move closer to regulatory approval, they represent a significant advancement in the quest for more effective and accessible treatment options.
