Johnson & Johnson's JNJ-4496 Shows Promise in Treating Aggressive Lymphoma
- Johnson & Johnson's JNJ-4496 shows 75-80% complete response rate in Phase 1b study for aggressive lymphoma.
- The therapy achieved a 100% objective response rate in patients with one prior treatment, highlighting its efficacy.
- J&J positions itself as a leader in CAR T-cell research, aiming to transform treatment for relapsed/refractory lymphoma.
Johnson & Johnson Advances CAR T-Cell Therapy for Aggressive Lymphoma Treatment
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announces promising results from a Phase 1b study of JNJ-90014496 (JNJ-4496), an innovative dual-targeting CAR T-cell therapy aimed at patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL). Presented at the 2025 European Hematology Association Congress, the study reveals a remarkable complete response rate of 75-80% among evaluable patients receiving the recommended Phase 2 dose of 75 million CAR+ T-cells. This breakthrough is particularly significant for patients who have not previously undergone CAR T therapy, a group often left with limited treatment options.
In the study, efficacy was assessed in 22 patients, demonstrating a 100% objective response rate (ORR) among those with one prior line of therapy, while patients with two or more previous treatments exhibited an ORR of 92% and a complete response rate (CRR) of 75%. These results highlight the potential of JNJ-4496 to significantly improve treatment outcomes for R/R LBCL, a condition notoriously difficult to manage with existing therapies, which typically offer long-term remissions in only about 40% of cases. The study's median follow-up period of four months provides initial but promising insights into the therapy's effectiveness and safety profile.
Dr. Krish Patel, the principal investigator of the study, emphasizes the urgency of developing new treatment options for this challenging patient demographic. He points out that the encouraging clinical activity and safety profile of JNJ-4496 represents a significant advancement in the fight against aggressive forms of lymphoma. As the healthcare sector continues to seek innovative therapies, J&J's latest findings position the company at the forefront of CAR T-cell research, potentially transforming the therapeutic landscape for patients battling R/R LBCL.
In addition to the advancements in lymphoma treatment, J&J also shares noteworthy results from the Phase 2 RedirecTT-1 study. This trial assesses the combination of TALVEY® (talquetamab-tgvs) and TECVAYLI® (teclistamab-cqyv) for treating patients with triple-class exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) exhibiting extramedullary disease (EMD). The study showcases an impressive overall response rate (ORR) of 78.9%, representing a significant enhancement over existing therapies with ORRs below 40%.
The RedirecTT-1 trial, with its focus on EMD—a condition complicated by the presence of plasmacytomas in soft tissues—underscores the necessity of dual-targeting approaches to improve treatment efficacy. Dr. Yael Cohen, Head of the Myeloma Unit at Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, underscores the importance of these findings in offering durable responses where current therapies often fall short, emphasizing the need for ongoing innovation in treatment strategies for aggressive multiple myeloma.
