PeproMene Bio and IFLI Announce $11 Million Investment for Innovative Lymphoma Treatment
PeproMene Bio, Inc. has made headlines with a substantial investment of $11 million facilitated by the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI) aimed at advancing their promising treatment, PMB-CT01, targeted at patients suffering from relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (r/r FL). This strategic investment comes on the heels of encouraging initial clinical results from the ongoing phase 1 study, PMB-102, which has unveiled a significant potential for this innovative therapy in the realm of oncology.
The funding comprises an immediate infusion of $6 million, with an additional $5 million contingent upon milestone achievements in the clinical trial. This financial backing underscores the confidence that IFLI has in PeproMene Bio's ability to successfully navigate the complexities of developing new therapies for complicated cases of B-cell malignancies. The expansion phase of the PMB-102 trial will focus specifically on adult patients with r/r follicular lymphoma and is set to assess the safety and efficacy of the BAFF-R targeted CAR T cells (PMB-CT01) in this challenging subset of individuals.
Developed by City of Hope, the BAFF-R CAR T cell therapy serves as a potential alternative or follow-up treatment for the significant number of patients who relapse after standard treatments, including commercial CD19 CAR T cell therapy. Dr. Hazel Cheng, the Chief Operating Officer at PeproMene Bio, highlights the dire need for effective treatments following CD19 therapies, emphasizing their commitment to the ongoing scientific and clinical development of this potentially life-saving option.
Notably, the progress seen in preliminary trials is remarkable, with six out of six patients treated thus far experiencing complete recovery, while only mild treatment-related adverse effects have been reported. Dr. Elizabeth Budde, the principal investigator of the study and an experienced associate professor of hematology at City of Hope, noted the significance of these results, especially for patients who have previously faced relapses post-CD19 CAR T therapies.
The BAFF-R CAR T therapeutic approach is particularly noteworthy due to its innovative targeting of the BAFF receptor, vital for B-cell proliferation and survival. This unique mechanism aims to prevent tumor cells from eluding the effects of the treatment by avoiding the loss of this antigen. The consistent and favorable efficacy-safety profile positions PMB-CT01 as a potential frontrunner among current FDA-approved therapies.
Dr. Michel Azoulay, the Chief Medical Officer of IFLI, echoes this optimism, expressing excitement about supporting PeproMene Bio in their endeavor to evaluate PMB-CT01 for follicular lymphoma patients. IFLI’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking innovations in lymphoma treatment is fittingly aligned with PeproMene's vision and capabilities.
The clinical development journey is poised to make significant strides shortly, potentially altering the treatment landscape for B-cell malignancies. Further research and extensive trials will undoubtedly shed more light on the long-term impacts of PMB-CT01, reaffirming the collaboration between PeproMene Bio and IFLI.
PeproMene Bio, based in Irvine, California, continues pioneering work in clinical-stage biotechnical therapies focused on hematological malignancies and autoimmune disorders. The company’s lead candidate, PMB-CT01, is under investigation not only for B-cell lymphoma (NCT05370430) but also for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (NCT04690595), showcasing its commitment to developing comprehensive therapeutic solutions.
The future appears promising as PeproMene Bio forges ahead, backed by solid investments and groundbreaking research initiatives. For those interested in learning more about the advancements in lymphoma treatment, further information about PeproMene Bio can be found on their website, pepromenebio.com, while details about IFLI's efforts can be explored at i-fli.org.