An investigational new drug (IND) application for the phase 1 trial of SynKIR-310 was submitted to the FDA. The trial is evaluating the agent for the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL).
This phase 1 trial will be the second study evaluating the SynKIR platform for those with DLBCL and other relapsed/refractory B-NHL subtypes after standard of care, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. Verismo Therapeutics anticipates initiating the CELESTIAL-301 clinical trial for SynKIR-310 in 2024, pending regulatory approval. This trial will represent the company's second study investigating the KIR-CAR platform technology.
"Verismo is in a unique position with SynKIR-310 to address the challenges associated with the current treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell NHL, including relapse after treatment with commercially approved CAR T-cell therapies," said Laura Johnson, PhD, chief scientific officer of Verismo Therapeutics, in a press release.
The SynKIR-310 relies on the proprietary CD19 binder, DS191, from Verismo Therapeutics, which was specifically made for the KIR-CAR platform technology to enable treatment of B-cell associated disorders and malignancies. SynKIR-310, like commercially approved CAR T-cell therapies, is directed by DS191 to target a similar epitope of CD19. However, SynKIR-310 has an added potential to prolong antitumor T-cell function and persistence.
In preclinical studies, this improved persistence allowed KIR-CAR T cells to shrink even tumors resistant to traditional CAR T-cell therapy. Researchers are now also exploring ways to combine it with other cutting-edge treatments, potentially creating a powerful next-generation immunotherapy for patients with cancer.
"We believe SynKIR-310, comprised of a split-chain KIR-CAR incorporating our novel DS191 binder, has the potential to prolong T-cell antitumor function, and improve persistence in patients with aggressive lymphomas, preventing early disease relapse. Initiation of the clinical trial is the culmination of years of focused research and diligent work by the Verismo team," Johnson added in the press release.
