Legend Biotech Establishes Clinical Proof-of-Concept for LB2501, a Potential First-in-Class In Vivo CD19/CD20 Dual-Targeting CAR-T, in Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

On June 14, 2026 Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ: LEGN) (Legend Biotech), a global leader in cell therapy, reported first clinical proof-of-concept data for LB2501, its investigational in vivo CD19/CD20 dual-targeting CAR-T cell therapy, in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R B-NHL). The results are being presented today in a late-breaking session at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2026 Congress (Abstract #LB5006).

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In the ongoing Phase 1 study, a single infusion of LB2501 generated dose-dependent in vivo CAR-T expansion without lymphodepletion. At the higher dose level (DL2), LB2501 achieved a 100% objective response rate (ORR) (6/6) and an 83.3% complete response rate (CR) (5/6), with all responses ongoing at the time of data cutoff. LB2501 also showed a favorable safety profile, with no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), serious adverse events (SAEs), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), or deaths reported.

"In vivo CAR-T represents a compelling frontier in cell therapy, enabling the generation of CAR-T cells directly within the patient, with the potential to simplify treatment and expand access over time," said Ying Huang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Legend Biotech. "LB2501 is our step toward realizing that vision and reflects further progress toward our goal of leading the future of cell therapy. Backed by the commercial and scientific foundation we have built with CARVYKTI, we are well-positioned to advance this next generation of CAR-T delivery. These early data, with deep responses from a single infusion across patients, give us confidence in the path ahead."

LB2501 Demonstrates In Vivo CAR-T Generation and Early Clinical Activity

In an ongoing Phase 1 study, 12 patients with R/R B-NHL received LB2501 across two dose levels, DL1 (n=6) and DL2 (n=6). Patients had received a median of three prior lines of therapy, and 58.3% were refractory to their most recent treatment. The open-label, multi-center, dose-escalation study is evaluating safety, recommended Phase 2 dose, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy in adults with R/R B-NHL. The study was conducted without lymphodepletion.

At DL2, LB2501 achieved a 100% ORR (6/6) and an 83.3% CR rate (5/6), with responses observed across patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and follicular lymphoma (FL). Across both dose levels, the ORR was 50.0% (6/12), and the CR rate was 41.7% (5/12). At the time of data cutoff, all responses at DL2 were ongoing.

LB2501 showed a favorable safety profile. No DLTs, SAEs, ICANS, or deaths were reported. Infusion-related reactions (IRR) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) were the most common adverse events of special interest and were all Grade 1–2. Infusion-related reactions occurred in 75.0% (9/12) of patients overall, with a median onset of 1.4 hours after infusion and a median recovery time of 18.6 hours. CRS occurred in 66.7% (8/12) of patients overall, with a median onset at Day 11 and a median duration of 4.5 days. IRR and CRS were all Grade 1–2, no patients required glucocorticoids for CRS management. Four patients received tocilizumab.

Pharmacokinetic analyses showed dose-dependent in vivo CAR-T expansion in 100% (6/6) of patients at DL2 and 83% (5/6) of patients at DL1. CAR-T cells remained detectable in peripheral blood for up to 116 days. Viral copy number in peripheral blood peaked immediately after infusion and decreased to undetectable concentrations within 24 hours.

Additional translational analyses further characterized the in vivo profile of LB2501. No evidence of non-specific transduction was detected in NK cells or other non-T/B/NK lymphocyte populations. Vector integrations were highly polyclonal and diverse. These findings support proof-of-concept for in vivo T-cell engineering, with polyclonal vector integration and rapid vector clearance.

"These early clinical findings are encouraging in a heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma population," said Lei Fan, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, and Administrative Director, Hematology Department, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China. "The responses observed at the higher dose level achieved a 100% objective response rate, together with a favorable safety profile and the absence of lymphodepletion, support further investigation of LB2501 as a novel in vivo CAR-T approach. The additional pharmacokinetic and translational findings presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) further support the feasibility of generating CAR-T cells directly within the patient." ‡

ABOUT LB2501
LB2501 is an investigational, potential first-in-class CD19/CD20 dual-targeting in vivo CAR-T therapy designed to generate CAR-T cells directly within the patient following a single intravenous infusion. It is being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1, open-label study (NCT07002112) in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignanciesi to assess safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy.[i]

ABOUT B-CELL NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a group of cancers that originate in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body’s immune system.ii B-cell lymphomas account for approximately 85% of NHL cases and arise from abnormal growth of B lymphocytes (B cells), which are responsible for producing antibodies. These malignancies include a range of subtypes that vary in aggressiveness, from slow-growing to highly aggressive disease.iii

While treatment advances have improved outcomes for some patients, those with relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL, particularly after multiple lines of therapy, often face limited options.

(Press release, Legend Biotech, JUN 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234668730])

Ascentage Pharma Presents Multiple Clinical Updates at EHA2026 Congress

On June 14, 2026 Ascentage Pharma Group International (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855), a global, commercial-stage, integrated biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies to address unmet medical needs in cancer, reported that seventeen clinical updates from its core assets were presented at the 31st Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) (EHA2026), including eight poster presentations. The presentations featured data from ongoing clinical studies of olverembatinib (HQP1351), the first third-generation BCR-ABL1 inhibitor approved in China, and lisaftoclax (APG-2575), the first approved China-developed Bcl-2 selective inhibitor. The EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)2026 Congress convened in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 11 to 14, 2026.

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At the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)2026 Congress, presentations on olverembatinib comprised key concurrent updates across two therapeutic areas: chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). In CML, olverembatinib demonstrated deep and durable responses in patients with chronic-phase CML (CML-CP) without the T315I mutation, in whom the disease was resistant and/or intolerant to first-line TKI therapy, supporting its potential as a second-line treatment option. For CML-CP patients who have failed treatment with at least two prior TKIs, olverembatinib can be used as a standard treatment option. In addition, olverembatinib showed positive clinical data in CML patients with multiline TKI resistance and co-occurring high-risk genetic mutations. In Ph+ ALL, olverembatinib continued to demonstrate robust clinical response, with updated data from the first-line global registrational Phase III study (POLARIS-1) further validating its deep response rate and manageable safety profile. The chemotherapy-free combination regimen with lisaftoclax yielded encouraging clinical data in subpopulations such as pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory Ph+ ALL.

Updated data from the registrational Phase II study of lisaftoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) were also presented. Stratified analyses correlating baseline characteristics with prognosis provided important insights that will inform refinement of treatment strategies and optimization of individualized dosing regimens across different patient populations. The real-world data on lisaftoclax in myeloid neoplasms also provides robust evidence for its clinical utility.

Yifan Zhai, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Ascentage Pharma, said: "The clinical updates on olverembatinib and lisaftoclax presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)2026 further validate the therapeutic value of these two key assets in the global hematologic malignancy field. Olverembatinib has the potential to become an important treatment option for CML, while offering new treatment possibilities for Ph+ ALL patients. The updated data from the registrational Phase II study of lisaftoclax in CLL/SLL will help guide individualized dosing strategies across different patient populations. Its real-world data in myeloid malignancies further strengthens our confidence in its clinical application among such patients. We are particularly encouraged by the promising combination data. Looking ahead, we will continue to accelerate the global clinical development of our key assets, while actively exploring more innovative combination treatment strategies to provide meaningful treatment options for patients around the world."

Key highlights of the selected poster presentations at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)2026 are as follows (for more information of the Company’s candidates, please visit the official EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) website):

EFFICACY OF OLVEREMBATINIB IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC-PHASE CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA (CP-CML) WITH PRIOR RESISTANCE TO PONATINIB OR ASCIMINIB AND ASXL1 MUTATIONS

● Abstract Number: EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)-3991 (PS1727)

● First Author: Elias Jabbour, MD, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

● Key Highlights: This Phase Ib study performed mutational analyses on 22 patients with ponatinib- and/or asciminib-resistant CP-CML and evaluated the antileukemic activity of olverembatinib across different mutational backgrounds. ASXL1 mutations were present in 40.9% (9/22) of patients. After olverembatinib treatment, 44.4% (4/9) of patients with ASXL1 mutations achieved clinical responses, including 22.2% (2/9) who achieved MMR, one of whom achieved MR4.5. This study provided the first evidence that olverembatinib is active in patients with ponatinib- and/or asciminib-resistant CP-CML, including those harboring challenging genotypes such as ASXL1 mutations, highlighting its potential as a treatment option for patients with multi-line TKI-resistant disease.

UPDATED EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF OLVEREMBATINIB (HQP1351) AS SECOND-LINE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC-PHASE CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA (CP-CML)

● Abstract Number: EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)-3388 (PS1733)

● First Author: Weiming Li, MD, Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

● Key Highlights: This single-arm, multicenter, open-label Phase II study evaluated olverembatinib as a second-line treatment in patients with CP-CML without the T315I mutation. Among 42 evaluable patients, the complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rate was 76.2% and the major molecular response (MMR) rate was 47.6%. Responses deepened over time with longer treatment duration, and olverembatinib exhibited manageable tolerability with no treatment-related deaths. These findings support the potential of olverembatinib to induce durable and deep responses in patients with CP-CML without the T315I mutation whose disease was resistant and/or intolerant to first-line TKI therapy, further supporting its role as a second-line treatment option.

THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SWITCHING TO OLVEREMBATINIB OR CONTINUING ORIGINAL TKI THERAPY IN CML-CP PATIENTS TREATED WITH AT LEAST TWO PRIOR TKIS: A PROSPECTIVE, MULTICENTER, CONTROLLED TRIAL

● Abstract Number: EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)-4595 (PS1728)

● First Author: Bingbing Wen, the Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen

● Key Highlights: This prospective, multicenter, controlled trial enrolled 105 patients with CML-CP who had received at least two prior TKIs for ≥18 months and failed to achieve MMR. Patients were assigned in a 1:2 ratio to either switch to olverembatinib (40 mg orally every other day) or continue their most recent TKI therapy. Results showed that the 6-month MMR rate was significantly higher in the olverembatinib group than in the control group (54.3% vs 10.0%; P<0.001). At 12 months, the cumulative incidence of MMR was 57.14% in the olverembatinib group compared with 21.43% in the control group (P<0.0001). Common grade 3/4 hematologic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) included thrombocytopenia (42.86%) and anemia (17.14%). Grade 3/4 non-hematologic adverse events were rare. Notably, 78.57% of adverse events related to prior TKI therapy improved after patients switched to olverembatinib. These findings support olverembatinib as a potential standard of care for patients with CML-CP previously treated with at least two TKIs.

UPDATED RESULTS OF POLARIS-1 (PART 1), A GLOBAL REGISTRATIONAL PHASE 3 STUDY: OLVEREMBATINIB COMBINED WITH LOW-INTENSITY CHEMOTHERAPY IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED PH+ ALL

● Abstract Number: EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)-3437 (PS1479)

● First Author: Suning Chen, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University

● Key Highlights: This global, multicenter, registrational Phase III study (POLARIS-1 Part 1) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of olverembatinib in combination with reduced-intensity chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL. A total of 55 patients were enrolled. By the end of induction, the CR/CRi rate reached 94.4% and the MRD-negative CR rate reached 63.0%. MRD-negativity rates increased over time, reaching 93.1% by the end of cycle 9. The regimen demonstrated a manageable safety profile, with no meaningful differences in efficacy or safety observed between the 30 and 40mg dose groups. Encouraging activity was also observed in patients with adverse prognostic genotypes, including IKZF1plus. These findings suggest that olverembatinib combined with low-intensity chemotherapy may induce rapid, deep, and sustained MRD-negative responses in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL, while maintaining a favorable safety profile, and provide important evidence supporting its use in the frontline setting.

SAFETY AND PRELIMINARY EFFICACY OF OLVEREMBATINIB (HQP1351) COMBINED WITH LISAFTOCLAX (APG-2575) IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED/REFRACTORY (R/R PH+ ALL): RESULTS OF A PHASE 1B STUDY

● Abstract Number: EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)-4691 (PS1473)

● First Author: Jingliao Zhang, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College

● Key Highlights: This open-label, dose-escalation Phase Ib study evaluated olverembatinib in combination with lisaftoclax in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) Ph+ ALL who are resistant or intolerant to at least one prior TKI. A total of 17 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 13 years, and 40% harbored ABL1 mutations, including T315I. Among nine efficacy-evaluable patients, the combination achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 88.9%, an MRD-negativity rate of 66.7% (8/12 at cycle 2 day 28), and 93.3% of patients (14/15 at cycle 2 day 28) achieved MMR or better. Both agents were detectable in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), providing evidence of CNS penetration, and demonstrated activity across ABL1 mutation subgroups. The regimen showed a manageable safety profile with no treatment-related deaths. These findings support the potential of this chemotherapy-free oral dual-targeted regimen to induce rapid and deep remissions, and may provide a novel treatment option for pediatric patients with R/R Ph+ ALL.

REAL-WORLD EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF LISAFTOCLAX IN MYELOID NEOPLASMS: A MULTICENTER STUDY

● Abstract Number: EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)-5454 (PF562)

● First Author: Chen Cao, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University

● Key Highlights: This multicenter real-world (retrospective) study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the novel BCL-2 inhibitor lisaftoclax in patients with myeloid neoplasms. A total of 30 patients (median age 63) were enrolled, including 25 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML, 83%), 3 with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS, 10%), and 2 with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML, 7%). In patients with AML, the CR/CRi rate reached 72%, with the highest response observed in the ELN low-risk subgroup (87%). Among patients achieving CR/CRi, the MRD-negativity rate was 61%. The CR/CRi rate was 100% in patients with NPM1 mutations and 83% in patients with IDH2 mutations. Among the three patients with MDS, two achieved CRi. Regarding safety, grade≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were primarily hematologic adverse events, including thrombocytopenia (27%), anemia (23%), and neutropenia (20%). Overall safety was manageable. These findings demonstrate promising efficacy and manageable safety of lisaftoclax in the real-world treatment of myeloid neoplasms, particularly AML.

CORRELATION OF BASELINE CHARACTERISTICS WITH PROGNOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA/SMALL LYMPHOCYTIC LYMPHOMA (CLL/SLL) TREATED WITH LISAFTOCLAX (APG-2575) IN A PIVOTAL PHASE 2 STUDY

● Abstract Number: EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)-3984 (PS1713)

● First Author: Keshu Zhou, Henan Cancer Hospital

● Key Highlights: This correlative analysis from the pivotal Phase II study (NCT05147467) evaluated associations between baseline characteristics and prognosis in patients with R/R CLL/SLL treated with lisaftoclax. The study enrolled 77 patients with R/R CLL/SLL refractory to BTKis who received lisaftoclax 600 mg once daily. Among 72 evaluable patients, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 23.9 months and the Independent Review Committee (IRC)-assessed ORR was 62.5%. Further analyses showed that TP53 mutation/del(17p), complex karyotype (CK), and mutations in SF3B1, KIT, BLM, and SETD2 were associated with significantly shorter PFS. Complex karyotype and tumor size were identified as independent risk factors for shorter PFS. These findings demonstrate that lisaftoclax has clinical activity in patients with R/R CLL/SLL refractory to BTKi therapy. Additionally, these data may help to identify patients with poorer prognosis based on baseline risk characteristics, supporting future risk stratification and risk-adapted combination treatment strategies.

(Press release, Ascentage Pharma, JUN 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234668732])

Menarini Group Reports Data from the Phase 3 SENTRY Trial of Selinexor Plus Ruxolitinib in Myelofibrosis at The European Hematology Association (EHA) 2026 Congress

On June 14, 2026 The Menarini Group ("Menarini"), a leading international pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, and Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. ("Stemline"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Menarini Group focused on bringing transformational oncology treatments to cancer patients, reported that new data related to the pivotal Phase 3 SENTRY trial will be presented as a late-breaking oral[i] at The European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2026 Congress.

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SENTRY (NCT04562389), a pivotal Phase 3 trial, is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 60 mg selinexor in combination with ruxolitinib in frontline myelofibrosis (MF) (n=353), versus ruxolitinib monotherapy. Conducted by Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc., in collaboration with the Menarini Group, SENTRY was designed to evaluate two co-primary endpoints: spleen volume reduction of 35% or more (SVR35) and absolute total symptom score (Abs-TSS).

The trial met the first co-primary endpoint, demonstrating that patients who were treated with the combination of selinexor plus ruxolitinib achieved a clear and statistically significant improvement in SVR35, compared to patients who received ruxolitinib alone. These results highlight that the combination arm enabled rapid, deep and sustained spleen volume reductions.

selinexor plus ruxolitinib (n=235)

placebo + ruxolitinib (n=118)

SVR35 at week 12

49.4% (n=116)

20.3% (n=24)

SVR35 at week 24

49.8% (n=117)

28.0% (n=33)

SVR35 at week 36*

46.9% (n=97)

23.0% (n=23)

*Analysis conducted in those patients who completed a spleen assessment or discontinued the study prior to week 36

"Achievement of spleen reduction is the essential goal of myelofibrosis treatment. Importantly, the spleen reduction results seen in SENTRY were rapid, deep and durable, and associated with potential overall survival benefit for the patients receiving the combination," said Dr. Claire Harrison, Professor of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. "We are encouraged that these results represent a potential new therapeutic advance for our patients who are in dire need of better options."

Other key highlights include:

Absolute Total Symptom Score (Abs-TSS): The combination arm demonstrated a comparable benefit to ruxolitinib alone, with a 9.9 point improvement in Abs-TSS at week 24, in patients who received the combination, compared to a 10.9 point improvement in patients who received ruxolitinib alone. The difference across the two arms was not statistically significant, and the combination arm did not meet this second co-primary endpoint.
Overall Survival (OS): While these data were immature at the time of analysis, a promising early OS signal, a pre-specified secondary endpoint, was observed with the selinexor combination compared to ruxolitinib alone. The study showed a greater than 50% reduction in the risk of death for patients receiving the selinexor combination (HR 0.43).
Spleen Volume Reduction: Consistent SVR35 benefit was observed across prespecified subgroups. Notably, at week 24, superior spleen volume reduction was achieved by the selinexor combination, regardless of the ruxolitinib dose, including by patients receiving less than 15 mg of ruxolitinib per day.
Variant Allele Frequency (VAF) Reduction: This pre-specified exploratory endpoint, which is associated with SVR35, was observed in 32% of patients in the selinexor plus ruxolitinib arm at week 24 versus 23.9% of patients treated with ruxolitinib alone, indicating the combination’s potential for disease modification.
Safety and Tolerability: The combination demonstrated a manageable safety and tolerability profile consistent with the known profile of selinexor and ruxolitinib individually. No new safety signals were observed.
"The strength of the spleen response and the encouraging early overall survival data observed in the SENTRY study creates hope for a potential new treatment option for patients suffering from this devastating disease with dismal outcomes," said Elcin Barker Ergun, CEO of the Menarini Group. "Our dedication and commitment to bring transformational treatments to patients facing cancer is stronger than ever."

About Myelofibrosis (MF)

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a type of blood cancer that belongs to a group of diseases called Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs). These diseases are caused by the overgrowth of abnormal blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, which leads to the formation of scar tissue. This scarring makes it difficult for the body to produce healthy blood cells. The incidence of MF is rare, with only about one or two people diagnosed each year for every 100,000 individuals, and the median survival after diagnosis is six years. Additionally, for people living with MF, their quality of life can be compromised by symptoms including fatigue, an enlarged spleen, and low blood counts, all of which are caused by the disease.

(Press release, Menarini, JUN 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234668720])

Lilly’s Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 45% when added to a venetoclax time-limited regimen in people with previously treated CLL/SLL

On June 14, 2026 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported results from the Phase 3 BRUIN CLL-322 clinical trial of Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib), a non-covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, plus venetoclax and rituximab versus venetoclax and rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). The study met its primary endpoint of independent review committee (IRC)-assessed progression-free survival (PFS), demonstrating that the addition of pirtobrutinib to a two-year venetoclax plus rituximab regimen reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 45% (HR=0.55 [95% CI, 0.40-0.75]; p=0.0001).

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These data will be highlighted in a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, as well as featured in the meeting’s press program.

"These results from BRUIN CLL-322 show that the addition of pirtobrutinib as part of a time-limited regimen further enhanced an already effective treatment and extended the duration of remission for patients with previously treated CLL. Importantly, the study provides the first robust evidence for such an approach in patients who received a prior BTK inhibitor," said Matthew S. Davids, M.D., M.M.Sc., Chief of the Division of Lymphoma at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who is the lead author on the study. "Time-limited regimens are an important option in CLL care and provide patients with meaningful treatment-free intervals. In the context of the modern CLL treatment landscape, where many patients may only receive two lines of therapy, these results speak to the potential benefits that improving second-line therapy can have. Our study has the potential to establish a new standard of care in this population."

BRUIN CLL-322 enrolled 639 relapsed or refractory patients, with 79.8% having prior covalent BTK inhibitor exposure, who were randomized 1:1 to receive pirtobrutinib plus venetoclax and rituximab (PVR, n=321) or venetoclax and rituximab alone (VR, n=318). Patients in the PVR arm received three cycles of pirtobrutinib and the first three cycles of rituximab before venetoclax was introduced. The efficacy results are based on a Feb. 2, 2026 data cutoff. At a median follow-up of 27.3 months, the primary endpoint of IRC-assessed PFS was significantly improved with the addition of pirtobrutinib to VR compared to VR alone (HR=0.55 [95% CI, 0.40-0.75]; p=0.0001). Median PFS in the PVR arm was not reached (95% CI, 43.3-NE), versus 39.7 months (95% CI, 35.9-NE) in the VR arm. The PFS results were consistent across prespecified subgroups, including patients with prior covalent BTK inhibitor exposure (PVR: not reached [95% CI, 41.5-NE] versus VR: 36.2 months [95% CI, 33.2-NE]), those who discontinued prior covalent BTK inhibitor due to progressive disease (PVR: 43.3 months [95% CI, 39.2-NE] versus VR: 33.2 months [95% CI, 28.3-37.5]), as well as those with high-risk features such as unmutated IGHV, TP53 mutation and/or 17p deletion, and/or complex karyotype. In an exploratory analysis of second-line patients whose disease progressed after a first-line covalent BTK inhibitor, the median PFS was not reached (95% CI, 30.1-NE) in the PVR arm and was 28.3 months (95% CI, 20.5-NE) in the VR arm (HR=0.32 [95% CI, 0.14-0.73]), with 24-month PFS rates of 88% (95% CI, 75.7-94.6) and 52% (95% CI, 34.7-66.2), respectively, and consistent benefit was observed regardless of the specific prior covalent BTK inhibitor received.

Overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, was not yet mature at this analysis (HR=0.89 [95% CI, 0.57-1.40]), and final testing of OS superiority is planned at a future date. An additional secondary endpoint, time to next treatment (TTNT), consistently favored the pirtobrutinib combination regimen (HR=0.50 [95% CI, 0.35-0.70]; nominal p<0.0001).

The overall safety profile of this regimen in BRUIN CLL-322 was consistent with the known safety profile of each medicine, with little additive toxicity observed with the addition of pirtobrutinib to venetoclax and rituximab. Rates of Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were similar with PVR compared to VR (78.8% versus 73.0%, respectively). Low rates of any grade atrial fibrillation/flutter (3.5% versus 2.6%, respectively), hypertension (12.0% versus 7.4%, respectively), and hemorrhage (14.2% versus 10.6%, respectively) were seen with PVR versus VR. Grade ≥3 clinical AEs of interest included neutropenia (50.3% versus 43.7%, respectively) and tumor lysis syndrome (0.9% versus 3.9%, respectively) in the PVR and VR arms. Discontinuation rates due to treatment-related AEs were similar across the PVR and VR study arms (5.4% versus 5.1%, respectively). The addition of pirtobrutinib to VR also allowed for downgrading of tumor lysis risk, with 78% of high-risk patients downgraded to medium (n=20) or low risk (n=18), and 61% of medium-risk patients downgraded to low risk.

"These remarkable findings support the potential addition of two years of Jaypirca to a time-limited venetoclax-based regimen in relapsed or refractory CLL," said Jacob Van Naarden, executive vice president and president of Lilly Oncology. "BRUIN CLL-322 enrolled a mostly covalent BTK inhibitor-pretreated population, ensuring that these results have applicability to the modern CLL treatment landscape where covalent BTK inhibitor use is now common. Additionally, these data further strengthen the unique body of evidence for Jaypirca across the CLL continuum, from monotherapy to combination therapy and across multiple settings where CLL patients need effective treatment."

Lilly plans to submit results from the BRUIN CLL-322 study to global regulatory authorities with the goal of further expanding Jaypirca’s label.

Lilly is studying Jaypirca in CLL/SLL in multiple Phase 3 studies. Details on the trials can be found by visiting clinicaltrials.gov.

About BRUIN CLL-322
BRUIN CLL-322 is a global, randomized, open-label, Phase 3 study comparing time-limited pirtobrutinib plus venetoclax and rituximab versus venetoclax and rituximab in previously treated CLL/SLL patients. The trial enrolled 639 patients, who were randomized 1:1 to receive pirtobrutinib (200 mg, once daily) plus venetoclax and rituximab per their labeled doses or venetoclax and rituximab alone. The primary endpoint is PFS as assessed by blinded IRC. Secondary endpoints include PFS as assessed by investigator, OS, TTNT, event-free survival, overall response rate, time to worsening of CLL/SLL-related symptoms, time to worsening of physical functioning, safety and tolerability.

About Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib)
Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) (pronounced jay-pihr-kaa) is a highly selective (300 times more selective for BTK versus 98% of other kinases tested in preclinical studies), non-covalent inhibitor of the enzyme BTK.1 BTK is a validated molecular target found across numerous B-cell leukemias and lymphomas including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).2,3 Jaypirca is a U.S. FDA-approved oral prescription medicine, 100 mg or 50 mg tablets taken as a once-daily 200 mg dose with or without food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

INDICATIONS FOR JAYPIRCA (pirtobrutinib)
Jaypirca is indicated for the treatment of

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have previously been treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR JAYPIRCA (pirtobrutinib)

Infections: Fatal and serious infections (including bacterial, viral, fungal) and opportunistic infections occurred in Jaypirca-treated patients. Across clinical trials, Grade ≥3 infections occurred (25%), most commonly pneumonia (20%); fatal infections (5%), sepsis (6%), and febrile neutropenia (3.8%) occurred. In patients with CLL/SLL, Grade ≥3 infections occurred (32%), with fatal infections occurring in 8%. Opportunistic infections included Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and fungal infection. Consider prophylaxis, including vaccinations and antimicrobial prophylaxis, in patients at increased risk for infection, including opportunistic infections. Monitor for signs and symptoms, evaluate, and treat. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Hemorrhage: Fatal and serious hemorrhage has occurred with Jaypirca. Across clinical trials, major hemorrhage (Grade ≥3 bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred (2.6%), including gastrointestinal hemorrhage; fatal hemorrhage occurred (0.3%). Bleeding of any grade, excluding bruising and petechiae, occurred (16%). Major hemorrhage occurred when taking Jaypirca with (2.0%) and without (0.6%) antithrombotic agents. Consider risks/benefits of co-administering antithrombotic agents with Jaypirca. Monitor for signs of bleeding. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca. Consider withholding Jaypirca 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery based on surgery type and bleeding risk.

Cytopenias: Jaypirca can cause cytopenias, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Across clinical trials, Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including decreased neutrophils (27%), decreased platelets (13%), and decreased hemoglobin (11%), developed. Grade 4 decreased neutrophils (15%) and Grade 4 decreased platelets (6%) developed. Monitor complete blood counts regularly. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias occurred in patients taking Jaypirca. Across clinical trials, atrial fibrillation or flutter were reported in 3.4% of Jaypirca treated patients, with Grade 3 or 4 atrial fibrillation or flutter in 1.6%. Other serious cardiac arrhythmias such as supraventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest occurred (0.4%). Cardiac risk factors such as hypertension or previous arrhythmias may increase risk. Monitor and manage signs and symptoms of arrhythmias (e.g., palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea). Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Second Primary Malignancies: Across clinical trials, second primary malignancies, including non-skin carcinomas, developed in 9% of Jaypirca-treated patients, most frequently non-melanoma skin cancer (4.4%). Other second primary malignancies included solid tumors (including genitourinary and breast cancers) and melanoma. Advise patients to use sun protection and monitor for development of second primary malignancies.

Hepatotoxicity, Including Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Hepatotoxicity, including severe, life-threatening, and potentially fatal cases of DILI, has occurred in patients treated with BTK inhibitors, including Jaypirca. Evaluate bilirubin and transaminases at baseline and throughout Jaypirca treatment. For patients who develop abnormal liver tests after Jaypirca, monitor more frequently for liver test abnormalities and clinical signs and symptoms of hepatic toxicity. If DILI is suspected, withhold Jaypirca. If DILI is confirmed, discontinue Jaypirca.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Jaypirca can cause fetal harm. Administration of pirtobrutinib to pregnant rats caused embryo-fetal toxicity, including embryo-fetal mortality and malformations at maternal exposures (AUC) approximately 3-times the recommended 200 mg/day dose. Advise pregnant women of fetal risk and females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for one week after last dose.

Adverse Reactions (ARs) in Patients Who Received Jaypirca

The most common (≥30%) ARs in the pooled safety population of patients with hematologic malignancies (n=704) were decreased neutrophil count (54%), decreased hemoglobin (43%), decreased leukocytes (32%), fatigue (31%), decreased platelets (31%), decreased lymphocyte count (31%), calcium decreased (30%).

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Serious ARs occurred in 38% of patients, with pneumonia (14%), COVID-19 (4.7%), musculoskeletal pain (3.9%), hemorrhage (2.3%), pleural effusion (2.3%), and sepsis (2.3%) occurring in ≥2% of patients. Fatal ARs within 28 days of last dose occurred in 7% of patients, most commonly due to infections (4.7%), including COVID-19 (3.1% of all patients).

Dose Modifications and Discontinuations Due to ARs: Dose reductions in 4.7%, treatment interruption in 32%, and permanent discontinuation of Jaypirca in 9% of patients. Permanent discontinuation in >1% of patients included pneumonia.

Most common ARs (≥15%) and Select Laboratory Abnormalities (≥10%) (all Grades %; Grade 3-4 %): hemoglobin decreased (42; 9), platelet count decreased (39; 14), neutrophil count decreased (36; 16), lymphocyte count decreased (32; 15), creatinine increased (30; 1.6), fatigue (29; 1.6), musculoskeletal pain (27; 3.9), calcium decreased (19; 1.6), diarrhea (19; -), edema (18; 0.8), dyspnea (17; 2.3), AST increased (17; 1.6), pneumonia (16; 14), bruising (16; -), potassium decreased (13; 1.6), sodium decreased (13; -), lipase increased (12; 4.4), ALT increased (11; 1.6), potassium increased (11; 0.8), alkaline phosphatase increased (11; -). Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in >5% of patients included neutrophils decreased (10), platelets decreased (7), lymphocytes decreased (6).

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma from Single-Arm and Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Serious ARs occurred in 47-56% of patients across clinical trials. Serious ARs in ≥5% of patients in the single-arm trial were pneumonia (18%), COVID-19 (9%), sepsis (7%), febrile neutropenia (7%). Serious ARs in ≥3% of patients in the randomized controlled trial were pneumonia (21%), COVID-19 (5%), sepsis (3.4%). Fatal ARs within 28-30 days of last Jaypirca dose occurred in 8-11% of patients, most commonly due to infections (7-10%), including sepsis (5%), COVID-19 (2.7-5%), and pneumonia (3.4%).

Dose Modifications and Discontinuations Due to ARs: Dose reductions in 3.6-10%, treatment interruption in 42-51%, and permanent discontinuation of Jaypirca in 9-17% of patients. Permanent discontinuation in >1% of patients included second primary malignancy, pneumonia, COVID-19, neutropenia, sepsis, anemia, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Most common ARs and Select Laboratory Abnormalities (≥20%) (all Grades %, Grade 3-4 %)–in a randomized controlled trial: neutrophil count decreased (54; 26), hemoglobin decreased (45; 10), platelet count decreased (37; 17), pneumonia (28; 16), ALT increased (25; 1.8), creatinine increased (25; -), calcium decreased (23; 0.9), sodium decreased (22; 0.9), bilirubin increased (21; 0.9), upper respiratory tract infections (21; 0.9); in a single-arm trial: neutrophil count decreased (63; 45), hemoglobin decreased (48; 19), calcium decreased (40; 2.8), fatigue (36; 2.7), bruising (36; -), cough (33; -), musculoskeletal pain (32; 0.9), platelet count decreased (30; 15), sodium decreased (30; -), COVID-19 (28; 7), pneumonia (27; 16), diarrhea (26; -), abdominal pain (25; 2.7), lymphocyte count decreased (23; 8), ALT increased (23; 2.8), AST increased (23; 1.9), creatinine increased (23; -), dyspnea (22; 2.7), hemorrhage (22; 2.7), lipase increased (21; 7), alkaline phosphatase increased (21; -), edema (21; -), nausea (21; -), pyrexia (20; 2.7), headache (20; 0.9). Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in >5% of patients included neutrophils decreased (23).

Drug Interactions

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Concomitant use increased pirtobrutinib systemic exposure, which may increase risk of Jaypirca ARs. Avoid using strong CYP3A inhibitors with Jaypirca. If concomitant use is unavoidable, reduce Jaypirca dose according to approved labeling.

Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers: Concomitant use decreased pirtobrutinib systemic exposure, which may reduce Jaypirca efficacy. Avoid using Jaypirca with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If concomitant use with moderate CYP3A inducers is unavoidable, increase Jaypirca dose according to approved labeling.

Sensitive CYP2C8, CYP2C19, CYP3A, P-gp, or BCRP Substrates: Use with Jaypirca increased their plasma concentrations, which may increase risk of ARs related to these substrates for drugs sensitive to minimal concentration changes. Follow recommendations for these sensitive substrates in their approved labeling.

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to potential for Jaypirca to cause fetal harm, verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to starting Jaypirca. Presence of pirtobrutinib in human milk is unknown. Advise women to use effective contraception and to not breastfeed while taking Jaypirca and for one week after last dose.

Geriatric Use: In the pooled safety population of patients with hematologic malignancies, patients aged ≥65 years experienced higher rates of Grade ≥3 ARs and serious ARs compared to patients <65 years of age.

Renal Impairment: Because severe renal impairment increases pirtobrutinib exposure, reduce Jaypirca dose in these patients according to approved labeling.

(Press release, Eli Lilly, JUN 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234668721])

CARsgen Presents Allogeneic CAR T-cell Products CT0596 and CT1190B at EHA 2026

On June 14, 2026 CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 2171.HK), a company focused on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies, reported poster presentations for CT0596 (an allogeneic CAR T-cell product targeting BCMA), and CT1190B (an allogeneic CAR T-cell product targeting CD19/CD20) at the 2026 Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) ("EHA").

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Data for CT0596 in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma and Primary Plasma Cell Leukemia

Eight patients, including 6 relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM) and 2 relapsed/refractory primary plasma cell leukemia (R/R pPCL), received CT0596 at the 4.5×10⁸ CAR⁺ T cell dose level. All patients were heavily pretreated, with a median of 3.5 prior lines of therapy (range 2, 6). Most patients had advanced disease (ISS Stage III: n=5), 1 had extramedullary disease, and 5 patients had high-risk cytogenetics.

All 8 patients reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), primarily hematologic toxicities, which are common adverse events following CAR-T infusion. No grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), no immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) and no graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were observed. No treatment-related deaths or study discontinuation due to AE.

As of May 10, 2026, with a median follow-up of 6.97 months, 6 patients maintained responses. All 8 patients were evaluable for efficacy. Six patients achieved stringent complete response (sCR) (n=5) or very good partial response (VGPR) (n=1) following the initial 4.5×10⁸ infusion. One R/R MM patient achieved partial response (PR) and ongoing response at Month 10 after retreatment with 4.5×10⁸, following failure of initial 3.0×10⁸ infusion. One overweight pPCL patient (102 kg) who received reduced intensity lymphodepletion progressed after the initial 4.5×10⁸ infusion, but achieved sCR following retreatment with full-dose lymphodepletion and 6.0×10⁸. By disease subtype analysis, both pPCL patients achieved sCR. Among the 6 MM patients, 4 achieved sCR, 1 achieved VGPR, and 1 achieved PR. All patients achieved MRD negativity at a sensitivity of 10⁻⁶ at 4 weeks after the effective infusion.

Pharmacokinetic results from the 8 infused patients demonstrated robust and persistent cell expansion, with median Cmax of 100,078 copies/µg gDNA and median Tmax of 10.5 days.

Data for CT1190B in Relapsed/Refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

A total of 13 patients (10 with large B-cell lymphoma [LBCL] and 3 with follicular lymphoma

[FL]) received CT1190B infusion, with 1, 2, 4, and 6 patients dosed with 1.5×10⁸, 3.0×10⁸, 4.5×10⁸, and 6.0×10⁸ cells, respectively. All patients were heavily pretreated, with a median of 3 prior lines of therapy (range 2-7).

The majority of grade ≥3 adverse events were hematological toxicities, of which most recovered within 28 days. No grade ≥3 infections occurred. CRS was observed in 8 patients (7 grade 1-2, 1 grade 3) and all recovered within 11 days. ICANS occurred in 2 patients (one grade ≥3 resolving, one grade 1 resolved). No study discontinuations or deaths due to adverse events.

As of May 11, 2026, 12 patients were evaluable for efficacy. The objective response rate (ORR) was 91.7% (11/12) with complete response (CR) rate of 66.7% (8/12), including: 1 partial response (PR) and 1 CR at 3.0×10⁸; 1 PR and 3 CR at 4.5×10⁸; 1 PR and 4 CR at 6.0×10⁸. All 3 FL patients achieved CR. All 7 LBCL patients under lymphodepletion regimen A achieved response with a CR rate of 71.4%. Notably, responses were observed even in patients with prior CAR T-cell or bispecific antibody therapy exposure, and all patients treated at intermediate or higher doses (≥3.0×10⁸) achieved response. With a median follow-up of 6.62 months, 7 out of 11 responders maintained ongoing response.

CAR T-cell expansion was observed across intermediate and higher doses with a median Tmax of 10 days. At the highest dose level (6.0×10⁸ cells), the median Cmax (reaching 10⁵) and AUC0-t (reaching 6×10⁵) of CT1190B far exceeded those of currently approved autologous CAR‑T products (Cmax: 10³–10⁴; AUC 0-t: 10⁴–2×10⁵).

About CT0596

CT0596 is an allogeneic BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapy developed using CARsgen’s proprietary THANK-u Plus platform. It is currently being evaluated in IITs for R/R MM or PCL. CT0596 demonstrated preliminary favorable tolerability and encouraging efficacy signals. Further investigation is planned in additional plasma cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases mediated by autoreactive plasma cells. The Company plans to initiate Phase Ib clinical trials for R/R MM and primary PCL in 2026.

About CT1190B

CT1190B is a CD19/CD20-targeted allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy developed based on CARsgen’s THANK-u Plus platform. IITs for R/R B-NHL are ongoing. The Company plans to initiate Phase Ib clinical trials for R/R B-NHL in 2026.

(Press release, Carsgen Therapeutics, JUN 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234668724])