Lisata Therapeutics Collaborates on CAR-T Therapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Progress with Anixa
- Anixa Biosciences has initiated dosing in a Phase 1 trial for a CAR-T therapy targeting recurrent ovarian cancer.
- The trial involves a higher dosage, showing promising signs of efficacy without significant toxicities in previous cohorts.
- Anixa collaborates with Moffitt Cancer Center and pursues a vaccine portfolio with Cleveland Clinic for breast and ovarian cancers.
Anixa Biosciences Advances CAR-T Therapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Anixa Biosciences, Inc. has taken a significant stride in its clinical efforts against recurrent ovarian cancer by dosing its first patient in the fourth cohort of a Phase 1 clinical trial for its novel CAR-T therapy. This trial, conducted in partnership with the Moffitt Cancer Center, is examining a therapy that specifically targets the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), which is predominantly expressed on ovarian cells and certain cancerous cells. The current cohort will receive a dose of three million CAR-positive cells per kilogram, a substantial increase from the initial dosage used in earlier cohorts. This escalation follows the absence of dose-limiting toxicities observed in the third cohort, marking a promising advancement in the trial's progression.
Dr. Amit Kumar, Anixa's Chairman and CEO, emphasizes the importance of moving to this higher dose level, noting that preliminary observations suggest potential efficacy of the treatment. The trial, identified as NCT05316129, enrolls adult women with recurrent ovarian cancer who have failed to respond to at least two prior therapies. While the primary focus remains on safety and tolerability, the encouraging signs of efficacy could pave the way for future advancements in treatment options for a disease that often has limited effective therapies.
Anixa's collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center is crucial, as the institution is recognized for its innovative cancer immunotherapy approaches. This partnership not only enriches Anixa's research capabilities but also positions it well within the competitive landscape of cancer biotechnology. Additionally, the company is pursuing a vaccine portfolio with Cleveland Clinic aimed at both treating and preventing breast and ovarian cancers, further diversifying its therapeutic arsenal in the fight against these diseases.
In other industry developments, TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. has received stockholder approval for an increase in authorized shares and the reincorporation in Delaware, alongside a merger with Kineta, Inc. This merger is expected to close soon and represents a strategic move to enhance TuHURA's capabilities in developing innovative immune-oncology technologies. Their lead product, designed to improve the effectiveness of existing checkpoint inhibitors, highlights the ongoing efforts to tackle primary and acquired resistance in cancer treatments, a significant challenge within the field. As these companies evolve, they contribute to the broader landscape of advancements in cancer therapeutics.
