On May 24, 2016 Fortress Biotech reported positive data from its phase I/II study of CNDO-109- activated allogeneic natural killercells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (Press release, UCLB, MAY 24, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512720]).

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Originally developed in the laboratory of Professor Mark Lowdell from the UCL Department of Haematology,biopharmaceutical company Fortress Biotech obtained exclusive worldwide rights from UCL Business PLC to develop and commercialise CNDO-109, a lysate (disrupted CTV-1 cells, cell membrane fragments, cell proteins and other cellular components) that activates donor NK cells ex vivo.

AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells characterised by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells. Once diagnosed with AML, patients typically receive induction and consolidation chemotherapy, with the majority achieving complete remission. However, roughly 70 to 80 per cent of patients who first complete remission will relapse, and the overall five-year survival rate is less than 25 per cent.

With three high-risk patients treated at the higher dose units having remained in complete remission for two years, data suggest that CNDO-109-activated allogeneic natural killer cells are safe and well-tolerated, and capable of extending complete remissions in high-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients.