Revolutionary CAR-T Cell Therapy Shows Promising Results in Follicular Lymphoma Treatment

Groundbreaking CAR-T Cell Therapy Achieves Complete Remission in Follicular Lymphoma Patient

In a significant advancement for cancer treatment, PeproMene Bio, Inc. announced that the first patient with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) has achieved complete remission following treatment with their innovative BAFF-R targeted CAR-T cells (PMB-CT01). This groundbreaking event was celebrated on May 20, 2025, as the patient demonstrated remarkable recovery just one month post-treatment at City of Hope, a leading cancer research center.

The news is particularly encouraging because the treated individual had already undergone an extensive treatment regimen prior to participating in the clinical trial. This included seven different therapy lines such as chemotherapy, anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy, and experimental drugs, signifying a dire need for more effective options for such patients. Elizabeth Budde, M.D., Ph.D., the principal investigator, expressed her enthusiasm: "We are excited to report that a patient with r/r FL has achieved complete remission after treatment with PMB-CT01."

The results are part of PeproMene’s phase 1 PMB-102 clinical trial that aims to explore the safety and efficacy of PMB-CT01 in patients diagnosed with relapsed and refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r B-NHL), which includes FL, mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). So far, all seven patients treated have shown a 100% complete response rate, with remission durations ranging from 1 to over 29 months. The treatment exhibited a manageable safety profile, with only grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) reported, which are common side effects associated with CAR-T therapies.

Follicular lymphoma, considered the most prevalent slow-growing type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, poses a significant challenge since existing therapies often fail to provide lasting remission. "With each relapse, the duration of remission typically decreases," states Dr. Michel Azoulay, CMO of the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI). "Patients with relapsed/refractory FL are in desperate need of new medical options."

The BAFF-R CAR-T therapy, designed to target the B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), stands out due to its distinctive mechanism of targeting B cells. As Dr. Hazel Cheng, COO of PeproMene, explains, "PMB-CT01 could present a viable alternative option for patients facing challenges after standard treatments. This therapy is unlikely to be affected by tumor escape via BAFF-R antigen loss, making it a promising choice in treating B-cell malignancies."

PeproMene Bio is actively working towards expanding the PMB-102 trial to include additional sites and a broader patient demographic, including those with r/r MCL and DLBCL. The ambition is clear: to provide more robust treatment alternatives for patients who have run out of options.

The implications of this development extend beyond just patient outcomes; they may redefine the current state of treatment for relapsed B-cell malignancies. While traditional therapies may yield limited success, the introduction of targeted CAR-T therapies such as PMB-CT01 holds the potential to transform the future landscape of cancer care, fostering hope and improved quality of life for patients battling these formidable diseases.

For more information about PeproMene Bio and the ongoing clinical trials, visit their website at PeproMene Bio and learn about the innovative approaches they are taking in the fight against lymphoma and other serious conditions.