Australian-based biotech company HaemaLogiX and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) have signed a collaboration agreement to develop and undertake the first in-human Phase I trial of HaemaLogiX's Kappa Myeloma Antigen (KMA).CAR-T immunotherapy to treat kappa-type multiple myeloma.
This agreement is in continuation with previous preclinical research collaboration between HaemaLogiX and Peter Mac Centre of Excellence.
Both teams carried out preclinical research of the therapy in a xenograft mouse model.
The data demonstrated anti-myeloma activity of the therapy that selectively killed KMA-expressing myeloma cell lines.
Peter Mac Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy director Simon Harrison said: “CAR-T cell therapy is a game-changer in the treatment of certain blood cancers, such as multiple myeloma.
“We are delighted to continue our project with HaemaLogiX to translate the preclinical potential of KMA.CAR-T into a novel first-in-human clinical trial therapy.”
This proof of concept Phase I trial will be carried out initially in six patients and may extend to 12 patients.
For this trial, HaemaLogiX will provide its KappaMab technology while Peter Mac will develop the technology and method of manufacturing, as well as undertake the trial.
HaemaLogiX director, chief scientific officer and founder Dr Rosanne Dunn said: “CAR-T cell therapy is now a realistic option for myeloma patients who have failed standard of care treatments.
“We're excited to progress KMA.CAR-T to the clinic in collaboration with Peter Mac, a renowned Australian cancer hospital and research institute that has been involved in the development of many of the CAR-T therapies now approved as treatments.”
The therapy targets the KMA receptor found only on the surface of myeloma cells while sparing normal immune cells, thereby causing no damage to the normal cells.
HaemaLogiX has expertise in nonclinical and clinical development, antibody research, manufacturing and commercialisation.
They focus on developing monoclonal antibody therapies for AL amyloidosis along with multiple myeloma.
