On March 13, 2025 Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAC) (the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering mRNA cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, reported financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2024, and outlined recent corporate updates (Press release, Cartesian Therapeutics, MAR 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234651131]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Following a year marked by tremendous progress, we remain committed to advancing our pipeline of mRNA cell therapies designed to be dosed in the convenient outpatient setting, without the need for preconditioning chemotherapy," said Carsten Brunn, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Cartesian. "Notably, we remain on track to commence our planned Phase 3 AURORA trial of Descartes-08 in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) in the first half of this year. Supported by positive results from our Phase 2b trial demonstrating deep and durable improvements for Descartes-08-treated participants, along with our Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we are confident that we have a clear path toward potential approval of this promising new therapy."

Dr. Brunn continued, "Beyond MG, we remain on track to report preliminary data from our ongoing Phase 2 open-label trial of Descartes-08 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and expect to initiate our Phase 2 pediatric basket trial of Descartes-08 in select autoimmune diseases in the second half of this year. With these anticipated milestones, along with our strong balance sheet, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver on our mission to expand the reach of cell therapy to autoimmunity."

Recent Pipeline Progress and Anticipated Milestones

•Phase 3 AURORA Trial of Descartes-08 in MG on Track to Commence in the First Half of 2025. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 AURORA trial is designed to assess Descartes-08 versus placebo (1:1 randomization) administered as six once weekly outpatient infusions without preconditioning chemotherapy in approximately 100 participants with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody positive (AChR Ab+) MG. The primary endpoint will assess the proportion of Descartes-08 participants with an improvement in MG Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score of three points or more at Month 4 compared to placebo. Descartes-08, Cartesian’s lead product candidate, is an autologous anti-B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (mRNA CAR-T).
In January 2025, Cartesian announced that it has received written agreement from the FDA under the SPA process on the overall design of the planned Phase 3 AURORA trial. The SPA agreement indicates that the FDA has determined that the proposed trial design is acceptable to support a future Biologics License Application for Descartes-08 in MG, subject to the ultimate outcome of the trial.

•Announced Positive Updated Results from Phase 2b Trial of Descartes-08 in Participants with MG, with Deepening Response Observed Over Time, Durable Through Month 12. In December 2024, the Company announced updated efficacy and safety data from the Phase 2b trial of Descartes-08 in participants with MG.

Participants included in the primary efficacy dataset (n=12)1 experienced an average MG-ADL reduction of 5.5 (±1.1) at Month 4. Responses were observed to be durable through Month 12, with 80% (4/5) of evaluable participants from the primary efficacy dataset maintaining a clinically meaningful response, defined as a reduction in MG-ADL score of at least 2 points. Descartes-08 continues to be observed as well-tolerated, supporting outpatient administration without the need for lymphodepleting chemotherapy.

•Dr. Tuan Vu, one of Cartesian’s Clinical Advisors, will Present at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting on April 9, 2025 at 1:12 pm PT. The presentation and abstract are titled, "The Efficacy and Safety of Autologous BCMA-directed mRNA CAR T-Cell Therapy in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Results from a Phase 2b Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial."

•Preliminary Data from Ongoing Phase 2 Open-Label Trial of Descartes-08 in Patients with SLE Expected in the Second Half of 2025. The trial is designed to assess the safety, tolerability and clinical activity of outpatient Descartes-08 administration without preconditioning chemotherapy in patients with SLE. SLE is an incurable autoimmune disease marked by systemic inflammation that affects multiple organ systems and impacts approximately 1.5 million people in the United States.

•Phase 2 Pediatric Basket Trial of Descartes-08 in Select Autoimmune Diseases Expected to Initiate in the Second Half of 2025. This pediatric basket trial will target juvenile SLE, juvenile MG, juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis. The FDA previously granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to Descartes-08 for the treatment of JDM, which is a rare pediatric autoimmune disorder.

•Dosing Ongoing in First-in-Human Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Descartes-15. The Phase 1 dose escalation trial of Cartesian’s next-generation, autologous anti-BCMA mRNA CAR-T cell therapy, is designed to assess the safety and tolerability of outpatient Descartes-15 administration in patients with multiple myeloma. Following the Phase 1 dose escalation trial, the Company expects to subsequently assess Descartes-15 in autoimmune indications.

Corporate Updates

•Emily English Promoted to Chief Operations Officer. Emily English, formerly Cartesian’s Senior Vice President and Head of Manufacturing Operations, was promoted to Chief Operations Officer in January 2025. Emily’s significant contributions, including her leadership in the expansion of the new, state-of-the-art current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) facility in Frederick, Maryland, have been instrumental in Cartesian’s progress as the Company continues to advance its pipeline.

Full Year 2024 Financial Results

•Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of December 31, 2024 was $214.3 million and is expected to support planned operations, including completion of planned Phase 3 AURORA trial for Descartes-08 in MG, into mid-2027.

•Research and development expenses were $45.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $71.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily a result of the Company’s restructuring in 2023 prior to the merger between Cartesian and Selecta Biosciences, including reductions in expenses for preclinical and clinical programs due to the strategic reprioritization, stock compensation in connection with the Selecta Biosciences/ Cartesian Therapeutics merger, and higher expenses in 2023 compared to 2024 due to one-time cash charges related to salaries and benefits.

•General and administrative expenses were $30.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $40.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily the result of reductions in expenses incurred for stock compensation and professional fees in connection with the merger between Cartesian and Selecta Biosciences.

•Net loss was $(77.4) million, or $(4.48) net loss per share (basic), for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net loss of $(219.7) million, or $(49.76) net loss per share (basic), for the year ended December 31, 2023.

About Descartes-08

Descartes-08, Cartesian’s lead mRNA cell therapy candidate, is an autologous mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (mRNA CAR-T) product targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in clinical development for generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) and systemic lupus erythematosus. In contrast to conventional DNA-based CAR T-cell therapies, mRNA CAR-T administration is designed to not require preconditioning chemotherapy, can be administered in the outpatient setting, and does not carry the risk of genomic integration associated with cancerous transformation. Descartes-08 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of MG, and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for the treatment of juvenile dermatomyositis.

About Descartes-15

Descartes-15 is a next-generation, autologous anti-BCMA mRNA CAR-T cell therapy. In preclinical studies, Descartes-15 has been observed to achieve an approximately ten-fold increase in CAR expression and selective target-specific killing, relative to Descartes-08. Similar to Descartes-08, Descartes-15 is designed to be administered without preconditioning chemotherapy and does not use integrating vectors.

On March 13, 2025 PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB) ("PDS Biotech" or the "Company"), a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming how the immune system targets and kills cancers, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared its Investigational New Drug ("IND") application filed in January 2025 to evaluate a combination of Versamune MUC1 (formerly PDS0103), its novel investigational MUC1-targeted immunotherapy candidate + PDS01ADC to treat MUC1-positive unresectable, metastatic colorectal carcinoma ("mCRC") in patients who failed previous treatment (Press release, PDS Biotechnology, MAR 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234651130]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"MUC1 is over-expressed in multiple solid tumors including colon, pancreatic, ovarian, breast, and NSCLC, and is associated with drug resistance and poor patient outcomes. This results in an unmet need for more effective, safer, better-tolerated targeted treatment options. Versamune MUC1 targets mCRC tumors that are MUC1-positive and will be studied in Proficient Mismatch Repair/Microsatellite Stable mCRC, which accounts for 95% of patients with mCRC. These tumors are typically more resistant to current immunotherapy, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, and second-line chemotherapy," said Kirk Shepard, M.D., PDS Biotech’s Chief Medical Officer. "Targeting MUC1 with an immunotherapy that elicits a strong and durable tumor-infiltrating T-cell response could represent a major advancement in cancer treatment."

The National Cancer Institute ("NCI"), under its Cooperative Research and Development Agreement ("CRADA") with PDS Biotech, will lead the Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating the combination of Versamune MUC1 + PDS01ADC in recurrent/metastatic colorectal cancer.

"The IND clearance of Versamune MUC1 marks progress for our Versamune platform and its potential to expand beyond HPV-related cancers," said Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. "Though our focus remains on our recently initiated VERSATILE-003 Phase 3 clinical trial in HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, we are pleased to support the NCI investigation of a therapy that shows promise in driving strong, durable anti-tumor immune responses."

U.S. Patent #12,201,685 covers the methods of using the proprietary combination of Versamune and cytokines to overcome immune suppression in the tumor and improve the anti-tumor immune response.

On March 13, 2025 Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. ("Intensity" or "the Company") (Nasdaq: INTS), a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary, novel immune-based intratumoral cancer therapies designed to kill tumors and increase immune system recognition of cancers, reported 2024 year-end financial results and provides a corporate update (Press release, Intensity Therapeutics, MAR 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234651129]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Corporate Update

INVINCIBLE-3 Study: Phase 3 open-label, randomized study testing INT230-6 as monotherapy compared to the standard of care ("SOC") drugs in second and third line treatment for certain soft tissue sarcoma subtypes. The INVINCIBLE-3 Study is expected to enroll 333 patients and initiate sites in eight countries. This study has been authorized by the US FDA, Health Canada, the European Medicines Authority (for France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain), and Australia’s Therapeutics Goods Administration. The primary endpoint in the INVINCIBLE-3 Study is overall survival.

In July 2024, the Company initiated and dosed its first patient in the INVINCIBLE-3 Study. The trial is actively enrolling patients across the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. Up to 60 sarcoma-focused institutions are expected to participate from these regions. The Company has contracted 32 sites with 25 patients screened to date. The Company expects to complete enrollment in the first half of 2026.

INVINCIBLE-4 Study: Phase 2 randomized open-label, multicenter study to analyze the clinical activity, safety, and tolerability of INT230-6 given before administration of the SOC treatment in patients with early-stage, operable triple-negative breast cancer ("TNBC") and SOC alone. The primary endpoint is the change in the pathological complete response rate for the combination compared to the SOC alone. The INVINCIBLE-4 Study is expected to enroll approximately 54 patients in Switzerland and France.

In October 2024, in collaboration with The Swiss Group for Cancer Research SAKK ("SAKK"), the Company initiated and dosed its first patient in Switzerland in the INVINCIBLE-4 Study. To date, the Company has activated eight sites in Switzerland and treated several patients. The Company expects to activate additional sites in Switzerland and France in the first half of 2025 and complete enrollment by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

"In 2024, Intensity Therapeutics finalized both Phase 3 and Phase 2 protocols, engaged leading hospitals around the world, and obtained regulatory authorization to recruit patients in 9 countries to initiate treatment," stated Lewis H. Bender, Intensity Founder, President, and CEO. "Our programs were again selected for presentation at major sarcoma and breast cancer societies. Many of the best sarcoma treatment centers from the US, Canada, Europe and Australia are either participating now or in contract discussions. For our breast cancer trial, our partners at SAKK have recruited interest by the leading hospitals in Switzerland and France to participate. Physicians are screening patients at an increasing rate. We believe in the potential for our drug to have a positive impact on the lives of metastatic sarcoma and presurgical breast cancer patients around the world, who so desperately need improved alternatives to current therapies."

2024 Year End Financial Results

Research and development expenses were $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $5.6 million in the INVINCIBLE-3 Study in 2024, in which we enrolled our first patient in the third quarter of 2024, and to a lesser extent, an increase of $0.5 million in the INVINCIBLE-4 Study, in which we enrolled and dosed our first patient in the fourth quarter of 2024. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.1 million in our IT-01 Study due to the completion of enrollment in this study in mid-2022 and the completion of study-related costs in 2023. Research and development also increased due to higher salary, benefits, and stock-based compensation.

General and administrative expenses were $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to salary, benefits and stock-based compensation, higher legal and consulting fees, and higher directors and officers insurance.

Overall, net loss was $16.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.6 million.

About INT230-6
INT230-6, Intensity’s lead proprietary investigational product candidate, is designed for direct intratumoral injection. INT230-6 was discovered using Intensity’s proprietary DfuseRx℠ technology platform. The drug is comprised of two proven, potent anti-cancer agents, cisplatin and vinblastine, and a penetration enhancer molecule (SHAO) that helps disperse potent cytotoxic drugs throughout tumors for diffusion into cancer cells. These agents remain in the tumor, resulting in a favorable safety profile. In addition to local disease control and direct tumor killing, INT230-6 causes a release of a bolus of neoantigens specific to the malignancy, leading to immune system engagement and systemic anti-tumor effects. Importantly, these effects are mediated without immunosuppression which often occurs with systemic chemotherapy.

On March 13, 2025 IN8bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: INAB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative gamma-delta T cell therapies, reported financial results and business highlights for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2024 (Press release, In8bio, MAR 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234651128]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

William Ho, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of IN8bio, commented, "In 2024, IN8bio made significant progress advancing its pipeline of gamma-delta T cell therapies and positioning the Company for long-term success. The INB-100 program continues to demonstrate 100% long term durable response rates as of January 17, 2025, reinforcing its potential to help treat and maintain remissions in high-risk AML patients." Mr. Ho continued, "We have also disclosed our novel INB-600 platform, which we believe has the potential to reshape the T cell engager landscape by potentially improving both the durability of response and safety compared to existing CD3 targeting TCE therapies. Throughout 2025, we remain focused on driving innovation, advancing our clinical programs and delivering value to patients and our stakeholders."

Key Highlights

Announced INB-600 Platform & INB-619, a Novel Preclinical Gamma-Delta TCE

Introduced INB-619, a proprietary next generation gamma-delta TCE targeting CD19 for potential use in oncology and autoimmune diseases (March 2025)
Demonstrated potent B-cell depletion and sustained gamma-delta T cell expansion in preclinical studies, offering commercial and scientific advantages by potentially improving durability and safety over existing CD3 targeting TCE therapies
Demonstrated Additional Clinical Progress with INB-100 (Allogeneic Gamma-Delta T Cell Therapy for AML & Leukemias) for High-Risk AML

Presented new Phase 1 data showing durable remissions with 100% of treated AML patients remaining relapse-free (February 2025)
Observed favorable safety profile with no cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity (ICANs) reported to date
Presented expanded clinical data at 2025 Tandem Meetings reinforcing potential of INB-100 to significantly reduce post-transplant relapse in high-risk AML patients relative to historical real-world data
Presented Continued Durable Remissions in Phase 1 Trial of INB-200 (Autologous, Drug-Resistant Gamma-Delta T Cell Therapy for Glioblastoma)

Presented updated data in a plenary oral presentation at the 2024 Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) Annual Meeting, showing the majority of patients exceeded their expected progression free survival based on age and tumor status
Highlighted potential long-term benefits of INB-200. As of October 18, 2024, five patients remained alive, three patients had returned to work, and one IDH-mutant, grade 4 glioma patient remained progression free for an impressive 40.5 months post treatment
Strategically Optimized Pipeline and Launched Operational Efficiency Initiatives

Paused enrollment in the Phase 2 INB-400 glioblastoma program – despite compelling data – to focus resources while exploring partnership and alternative funding opportunities
Implemented cost-saving measures to extend cash runway and prioritize pipeline development
Raised approximately $16.6 million in gross proceeds through various equity offerings, including through our at-the-market ("ATM") offering program and private placements, during 2024 through February 2025, extending the Company’s cash runway into March 2026
Upcoming Anticipated Pipeline Milestones and Important Events

INB-100: For the potential treatment of high-risk leukemias including AML

Accelerating patient enrollment in expansion cohort of ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial including the inclusion of an additional investigational center
Aim to complete enrollment into the expansion cohort in 2025. Guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed relapse-free survival (RFS) in AML patients as an acceptable primary endpoint for a potential pivotal randomized control trial
Expect to present updated clinical data in the second half of 2025
Advancing preparations for potential registrational Phase 2 trial with possible IND submission anticipated in 2026 based on receipt of additional funding
INB-200 and INB-400 (Autologous Gamma-Delta T Cell Therapy for Glioblastoma & Solid Tumors):

Continue to evaluate early clinical data for signs of efficacy and durability
Report additional findings at upcoming medical meetings in 2025
Seek additional funding sources to advance allogeneic product for glioblastoma and other solid tumors
INB-600 and INB-619 (Gamma-Delta T Cell Engager Targeting CD19 – Oncology & Autoimmune Diseases):

Present preclinical data evaluating potency, expansion potential, and safety profile at medical meetings in the second quarter of 2025
Plan to advance towards IND-enabling studies with additional funding to support future clinical development
Exploring partnership and collaboration options to accelerate development of the platform
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights

Research and Development (R&D) expenses: R&D expenses were $3.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared with $4.5 million for the comparable prior year period. R&D expenses were $17.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $16.8 million in the prior year. The change was primarily due to increased clinical trial-related activities for the INB-100 and INB-400 programs and was partially offset by a decrease in personnel-related costs and facility-related and other expenses, in each case as a result of the Company’s pipeline prioritization announced in September 2024.
General and administrative (G&A) expenses: G&A expenses were $2.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared with $3.1 million for the comparable prior year period. G&A expenses were $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $13.5 million in the prior year. The change was primarily due to cost savings related to director and officer insurance premiums, professional services, and personnel-related costs, partially offset by an increase in legal and consulting expenses.
Severance and related charges: Severance and related charges were $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with zero in the prior year. These were one-time costs related to the September 2024 workforce reduction, including non-cash stock-based compensation expense and severance payments.
Net loss: The company reported a net loss of $6.4 million, or $0.08 per basic and diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared with a net loss of $7.6 million, or $0.22 per basic and diluted common share, for the comparable prior year period. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net loss was $30.7 million, or $0.57 per basic and diluted common share, compared with a net loss of $30.0 million, or $1.00 per basic and diluted common share, for the prior year.
Cash position: As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash of $11.1 million as of December 31, 2024, compared with $21.3 million as of December 31, 2023. Subsequently, in February 2025, the Company sold common stock under its ATM offering program and had Series C warrants exercised for aggregate net proceeds of $4.1 million.

On March 13, 2025 ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBRX), a leading immunotherapy company, reported U.S. Urology Partners, one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, is one of the first providers to participate in ImmunityBio’s Expanded Access Program (EAP) for recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (rBCG) to address the current shortage of TICE BCG in the U.S (Press release, ImmunityBio, MAR 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234651127]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"The shortage of BCG has real consequences, especially in many rural communities across the country where supply shortages have impacted the treatment of patients with bladder cancer," said Christopher M. Pieczonka, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Director of Clinical Research, Associated Medical Professionals, an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners. "I’m pleased U.S. Urology is at the forefront of offering rBCG and would like to thank ImmunityBio for their initiative to seek and secure authorization from the FDA for expanded access to this vital BCG alternative."

Supply shortages of TICE BCG in the U.S. have become a significant impediment to the treatment of bladder cancer patients. In a recent Sermo survey of 100 U.S. urologists, 57 percent indicated they were unable to treat patients in the last 12 months due to a lack of access to TICE BCG. Providers who are unable to source TICE BCG are able to access rBCG through the ImmunityBio EAP.

"It is gratifying to see the rapid uptake and interest in the rBCG Expanded Access Program, which was authorized by the FDA just recently," added Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Founder, Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of ImmunityBio. "Participation by a major national provider like U.S. Urology Partners is a testament to the critical importance of rBCG and the need for an alternative supply of this essential medicine."

"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to expand the BCG supply to allow more patients to receive the full course of their cancer treatment, saving bladders and extending lives," said Dr. Eugene B. Cone, Co-Director of Clinical Research, Urology of Indiana, an affiliate of U.S. Urology.

The Serum Institute of India, ImmunityBio’s collaboration partner, is the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume. In bladder cancer clinical trials in Europe, the recombinant BCG vaccine has demonstrated potent immunogenicity with CD8+ and CD4+ T cell stimulation and improved safety compared to earlier BCG strains and formulations. Clinical research organization, Anova Enterprises, Inc. (Anova) is helping ImmunityBio manage the rBCG EAP.

"Constrained BCG supply has improved stewardship of a limited resource but has come at a high cost to our patients," said Dr. Chad Reichard, Co-Director of Clinical Research, Urology of Indiana. "rBCG represents a long overdue potential alternative but does not abrogate responsibility to ongoing diligence and discipline in BCG delivery."

About Recombinant BCG (rBCG)

BCG is a benign bacterium originally developed as a live vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). It is based on the well-known Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain. It has been in use since 1921 and administered to more than 4 billion individuals worldwide. BCG given via intravesical instillation (delivery to the bladder via a catheter) has been the standard of care for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) since 1977. BCG induces an immune response in the bladder in proximity to the cancer cells, leading to clearance of the cancer in many patients.

Two gene modifications have been implemented in rBCG to improve its immunogenicity and safety in comparison to earlier strains and formulations of BCG. Recombinant rBCG has completed Phase 1/2 human clinical studies in Europe as an immunotherapy in patients with NMIBC. The findings from those studies demonstrate rBCG is well-tolerated when administered intravesically with a safety profile similar to placebo, and reduced rates of adverse events observed in earlier strains and formulations of BCG.

Supportive clinical data of rBCG as a TB vaccine are available from four clinical trials. Two studies in healthy adult volunteers and one Phase IIa study in healthy newborn infants were performed with rBCG. Additionally, a Phase II clinical trial was conducted with rBCG in HIV-unexposed and HIV-exposed, BCG-naïve newborn infants for clinical bridging. Clinical trials have also been conducted to assess the effect of rBCG vaccination on TB recurrence and on the susceptibility or severity of respiratory diseases during the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

BCG is one of the most widely used vaccines worldwide. However, because BCG is a biologic drug that uses benign bacteria, it is more complicated to manufacture than many other types of drugs. Serum Institute of India is the largest manufacturer of BCG vaccines in the world, while Merck & Co., based in New Jersey, currently is the only manufacturer of BCG (TICE BCG) in the U.S.

ImmunityBio has been awarded multiple patents covering the composition and methods of use for the combination of BCG plus ANKTIVA in bladder cancer (US 11,173,191 Β2; US 11,679,144 Β2; US 11,890,323 B2).

About ANKTIVA

The cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) plays a crucial role in the immune system by affecting the development, maintenance, and function of key immune cells—NK and CD8+ killer T cells—that are involved in killing cancer cells. By activating NK cells, ANKTIVA overcomes the tumor escape phase of clones resistant to T cells and restores memory T cell activity with resultant prolonged duration of complete response.

ANKTIVA is a first-in-class IL-15 agonist IgG1 fusion complex, consisting of an IL-15 mutant (IL-15N72D) fused with an IL-15 receptor alpha, which binds with high affinity to IL-15 receptors on NK, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells. This fusion complex of ANKTIVA mimics the natural biological properties of the membrane-bound IL-15 receptor alpha, delivering IL-15 by dendritic cells and drives the activation and proliferation of NK cells with the generation of memory killer T cells that have retained immune memory against these tumor clones. The proliferation of the trifecta of these immune killing cells and the activation of trained immune memory results in immunogenic cell death, inducing a state of equilibrium with durable complete responses. ANKTIVA has improved pharmacokinetic properties, longer persistence in lymphoid tissues, and enhanced anti-tumor activity compared to native, non-complexed IL-15 in-vivo.

ANKTIVA was approved by the FDA in 2024 for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer CIS with or without papillary tumors. For more information, visit ImmunityBio.com (Founder’s Vision) and Anktiva.com.