Lantern Pharma Highlights Promising Preclinical Results of LP-184’s Synergy with Checkpoint Inhibitors & Sensitizing Tumors That are Non-Responsive to Anti-PD1 Therapy in Collaboration with MD Anderson at Immuno-Oncology Summit 2024

On August 7, 2024 Lantern Pharma (NASDAQ: LTRN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to transform the cost, pace, and timeline of oncology drug discovery and development, reported a significant advancement demonstrating the preclinical synergy of LP-184 with checkpoint inhibitors and the ability of LP-184 to resensitize tumors that have become non-responsive to Anti-PD1 therapies (Press release, Lantern Pharma, AUG 7, 2024, View Source [SID1234645514]). The company will be presenting preliminary data from the recent work done in conjunction with Drs. Yong Du and Shiaw-Yih (Phoebus) Lin at MD Anderson at The Immuno-Oncology Summit 2024 in Philadelphia.

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The data will be presented in the form of poster entitled, LP-184, a Novel Acylfulvene, Sensitizes Immuno-Refractory Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBCs) To Anti-PD1 Therapy by Affecting the Tumor Microenvironment, (assigned Poster # P17). The poster highlights the following key points:

LP-184 seems to potentiate anti-PD1 response in a mouse model of TNBC that is non-hypermutated and resistant to immunotherapy in the absence of LP-184.
LP-184 can potentially transform immunologically "cold" tumors (non-responsive to IO therapies) into "hot" tumors (responsive to IO therapies) by modulating T cell activity in the tumor microenvironment and inducing a replication stress response defect.1
LP-184 seems to reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME) by significantly reducing the amount of M2 macrophages – which are associated with tumor drug resistance, tumor cell proliferation and are involved in helping the tumor cells escape immune cell death2.
LP-184 combined with an anti-PD1 agent elicited a greater anti-tumor response than monotherapies in mouse TNBC tumors that are non-hypermutated and resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors
LP-184 is being investigated in an ongoing first-in-human Phase 1 trial (NCT05933265) in advanced recurrent solid tumors to establish a maximum tolerated dose and assess its overall safety and suitability in more targeted cancer indications, including TNBC.

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) account for nearly $48 billion in sales annually according to Grand View Research and has profoundly changed the landscape of treatment in oncology since their introduction by providing outstanding durable responses and potential long-term remission in a significant proportion of cancer patients.3 Treatments are now approved for more than thirty cancer indications including melanoma, lung, colon, renal, urothelial, gastric, liver, lymphoma, head and neck but only a minority of patients benefit (10% to 50% depending on the stage and site of the tumor) and often patients will be non-responsive to CPI.

"Our drug-candidate, LP-184 has shown very promising preclinical evidence supporting its role in immuno-oncology to help patients improve response and durability of response to IO therapies. This work in collaboration with MD-Anderson supports our initial AI-driven hypothesis regarding the role of LP-184 to synergize with PD1 and PDL1 drugs and potentially improve the lives of a greater number of cancer patients globally. We look forward to developing combination drug studies and clinical trials with LP-184 and checkpoint inhibitors," said Lantern Chief Scientific Officer, Kishor Bhatia, PhD, FRCP.

The entirety of the data and poster to be presented at The Immuno-Oncology Summit 2024 in Philadelphia will be available on the Lantern website after 6pm Eastern today, August 7th 2024.

ChromaDex Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

On August 7, 2024 ChromaDex Corp. (NASDAQ:CDXC) reported financial results for the second quarter of 2024 (Press release, ChromaDex, AUG 7, 2024, View Source/news/news-details/2024/ChromaDex-Corporation-Reports-Second-Quarter-2024-Financial-Results/default.aspx" target="_blank" title="View Source/news/news-details/2024/ChromaDex-Corporation-Reports-Second-Quarter-2024-Financial-Results/default.aspx" rel="nofollow">View Source [SID1234645493]).

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Second Quarter 2024 Financial and Recent Operational Highlights

Total net sales were $22.7 million, with $18.6 million from Tru Niagen, up 12%, and 10%, respectively, from the prior year quarter.
Solid gross margin of 60.2% and a $0.7 million reduction in total operating expenses from the prior year quarter.
Net loss and loss per share were approximately breakeven, a $2.2 million and $0.03 per share improvement from the prior year quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, improved to $1.6 million from $0.2 million in the prior year quarter.
In June 2024, ChromaDex announced U.S. FDA Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for nicotinamide riboside chloride, ChromaDex’s product candidate for the treatment of Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT). AT is a rare, progressive disease that typically presents in early childhood and affects the function of the nervous system, the immune system, and several other body systems. Plans are underway to file an Investigational New Drug application with the U.S. FDA in anticipation of conducting human clinical trials. If the application is approved, ChromaDex will pursue grant funding or other non-dilutive financing for the human clinical trials.
In June 2024, ChromaDex unveiled Niagen+, a product line featuring pharmaceutical-grade Niagen (patented nicotinamide riboside chloride or NRC). U.S. FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facilities will compound and distribute pharmaceutical-grade Niagen, which will be available in intravenous (IV) and injectable forms exclusively at clinics with prescription. Beginning this month, Niagen IV and injections will debut at select IV clinics. Clinical study results (1) support Niagen IV offering a 75% shorter infusion time, a higher and faster rise in NAD+ blood levels three hours post-infusion, based on dried blood spot analysis, and is well-tolerated as compared to the common alternative, NAD+ IV.
In July 2024, ChromaDex launched Niagen+ NAD+ Test Kits, available exclusively to healthcare practitioners. The Niagen+ NAD+ Test Kits provide a reliable method for measuring patient blood NAD+ levels, enabling practitioners to create more personalized and effective protocols using ChromaDex’s NAD+-boosting products, Tru Niagen and Niagen+.
"We delivered solid financial results in the second quarter, with $22.7 million in revenue and lower operating expenses resulting in virtually breakeven net loss and operating cash flows, as well as positive Adjusted EBITDA of $1.6 million," said ChromaDex Chief Executive Officer, Rob Fried. "Moreover, we are thrilled to finally unveil our new product line, Niagen+, for healthcare practitioners and clinics. This launch marks a significant milestone for ChromaDex, as we believe we are the first company to offer NR in both oral and intravenous forms, reinforcing our position as the global authority in the NAD+ market."

(1) Source: MedRxiv Randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical study evaluating acute Niagen+ IV and NAD+ IV in healthy adults

Results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior year quarter

ChromaDex recorded net sales of $22.7 million, an increase of 12% or $2.4 million from the prior year quarter. The growth in total net sales was primarily due to higher Tru Niagen and Niagen ingredient sales.

Gross margin percentage declined 60 basis points to 60.2% primarily driven by changes in business mix.

Operating expense decreased 5%, or $0.7 million, to $13.9 million driven by lower general and administrative expense, partially offset by increased investments in sales and marketing expense.

Net loss and loss per share were approximately breakeven, both up compared to a net loss of $2.2 million, or $0.03 loss per share, for the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, improved to $1.6 million from $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2023. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Net cash inflow from operating activities was approximately breakeven for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a net cash inflow of $6.1 million in the prior year. The approximately $6.0 million reduction in cash provided by operating activities was largely driven by a relatively greater increase in trade receivables of $4.2 million and a greater reduction in accounts payable of $2.5 million.

2024 Full Year Outlook

Looking forward, for the full year, the Company expects between 10% – 15% revenue growth year-over-year, driven by continued revenue growth through our e-commerce business as well as established partnerships, and assumes upside from opportunities with new partnerships, channels, and products. The Company projects that gross margin will improve slightly year-over-year. Moreover, selling and marketing expense will increase in absolute dollars but remain stable as a percentage of net sales, as the Company continues to make focused investments to drive brand awareness and support new market launches, while maintaining efficiency. The Company plans to continue to invest in research and development to drive future innovation and expects general and administrative expense to be down $1.5 million year over year.

Investor Conference Call

A live webcast will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss ChromaDex’s second-quarter financial results and provide a general business update.

To listen to the webcast, or to view the earnings press release and its accompanying financial exhibits, please visit the Investors Relations section of ChromaDex’s website at View Source . The toll-free dial-in information for this call is 1-888-596-4144 with Conference ID: 8584242.

The webcast will be recorded, and will be available for replay via the website from 7:30 p.m. Eastern time on August 7, 2024 through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 14, 2024. The replay of the call can also be accessed by dialing 800-770-2030, using the Replay ID: 8584242.

WestGene to Advance Clinical Trials Following Dual IND Approvals for World’s First EB Virus-Related mRNA Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine

On August 7, 2024 WestGene Biopharma reported that its mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccine, WGc-043, has received dual IND approvals from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the US FDA (Press release, WestGene Biopharma, AUG 7, 2024, View Source [SID1234645515]). This unprecedented achievement marks the world’s first IND-approved mRNA vaccine for EBV-related cancers in both the United States and China.

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Groundbreaking milestone in cancer immunotherapy

On 6 August, the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the NMPA approved the clinical trial application for WGc-043 injection, allowing the initiation of Phase I clinical trials. This dual approval further validates WestGene’s expertise in core mRNA technologies such as delivery vectors and sequence design, and accelerates the commercialisation of effective and low-toxicity anti-tumour mRNA vaccines worldwide.

Revolutionary technology

WGc-043 is part of WestGene’s portfolio of more than 20 mRNA vaccine candidates. The innovative aspects of WGc-043 include

1. AI-assisted antigen screening: The use of AI to select the broadest and safest protein sequences with the introduction of a globally unique immuno-enhancer (IE) into the mRNA molecule. This design activates the patient’s anti-tumour immunity, generating cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs), antigen-specific antibodies and memory T-cells, providing highly effective anti-cancer effects comparable to combined CAR-T and monoclonal antibody therapies, and preventing tumour recurrence.

2. Advanced delivery system: The newly developed LNP delivery system, patented in China, the US, Europe, Canada, Australia and South Africa, has demonstrated safety and delivery efficiency in clinical trials of three of WestGene’s proprietary products.

Significant market potential and Innovative immunotherapy for EBV-related cancers

The EBV, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), infects more than 90% of the world’s population and is associated with more than ten malignancies, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lymphoma, gastric cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. WGc-043 is now approved in both countries for treating EBV-positive solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. This new immunotherapy option, backed by high-quality preliminary data, is expected to demonstrate excellent safety and anti-tumor activity in upcoming clinical trials.

WGc-043 has completed investigator-initiated trials (IITs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and natural killer T-cell lymphoma, demonstrating superior safety and efficacy compared to existing mRNA cancer vaccines. Its launch is expected to be a major breakthrough in mRNA immunotherapy for EBV-positive tumours.

Comprehensive pipeline and commercialisation progress

Building on its scientific achievements, WestGene has established five R&D platforms. WestGene’s pipeline includes more than 20 products, including mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA preventive vaccines for infectious diseases, and therapeutic drugs for conditions such as obesity and ageing. In addition to the IND approval for its cancer product, WestGene’s novel nano-adjuvant WGa01 received EUA in China last year, marking a significant milestone in domestic production.

As WestGene moves forward, its pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation promise to revolutionise the field of mRNA technology and cancer therapy. WestGene is currently open to various forms of commercial collaboration, including but not limited to pipeline licensing, co-development and technology licensing.

Pharmacosmos Group to Acquire G1 Therapeutics

On August 7, 2024 G1 Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTHX), a commercial-stage oncology company focused on delivering next-generation therapies that improve the lives of those affected by cancer, and Pharmacosmos A/S, a leader in the development of innovative treatments for patients suffering from iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, reported that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Pharmacosmos A/S, through its U.S. subsidiary Pharmacosmos Therapeutics Inc., will acquire all outstanding shares of G1 Therapeutics common stock for U.S. $7.15 per share in cash for a total equity value of approximately $405 million, which represents a 68% premium to G1’s closing share price on August 6, 2024 and a 133% premium to G1’s prior 30-day volume weighted average price (Press release, G1 Therapeutics, AUG 7, 2024, View Source [SID1234645494]). The Boards of Directors of the parties have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close late in the third quarter of 2024.

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G1’s COSELA is the first and only product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to decrease the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in adult patients when administered prior to a platinum/etoposide-containing regimen or topotecan-containing regimen for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).

Together, Pharmacosmos and G1 Therapeutics will execute on the shared vision to grow and accelerate the availability of COSELA for all appropriate patients with ES-SCLC. G1 brings a well-established and successful commercial, sales, and medical platform to Pharmacosmos, which has complementary expertise in commercializing hematology and supportive care products, a robust global commercial presence, and significant resources to maximize the penetration of COSELA into the ES-SCLC market. Together, the combined company will be able to optimize the commercial reach to oncologists and expand the availability of COSELA among patients living with ES-SCLC.

"G1 and Pharmacosmos have a shared commitment to people living with cancer; the transaction announced today will enable a more rapid uptake of COSELA into the ES-SCLC market to maximize availability for patients who need this important drug," said Jack Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of G1 Therapeutics. "Importantly, this acquisition delivers significant value to G1’s stakeholders by providing better and broader access to this important product for the cancer patients we seek to treat and a significant premium to our shareholders. I am proud of all that the G1 team has accomplished over the years, thankful for their great effort, and excited about what’s possible by the combined Pharmacosmos/G1 team as we meet the needs of more cancer patients."

"The acquisition of G1 Therapeutics Inc., its intellectual property, and the addition of COSELA (trilaciclib) to our portfolio of innovative products is transformative for Pharmacosmos. By combining our existing colleagues with the great team at G1 Therapeutics, we will meaningfully expand our organization serving oncologists in the US. This will enable broader and better access for patients in need of COSELA as well as for our existing FDA approved drug, Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose)," said Tobias S. Christensen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacosmos A/S. "COSELA is a first-in-class product that brings important benefits to patients and fits very nicely together with our lead product Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose). While Monoferric is available around the World, COSELA is so far only approved in the US and in China. It will be a focus for us to bring this important product to more patients both in US and worldwide to help minimize the number of lung cancer patients suffering from myelosuppression after chemotherapy."

Transaction Terms

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Pharmacosmos has agreed to commence a cash tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of G1 common stock for US $7.15 per share in cash. The transaction will be fully financed by Pharmacosmos’ existing cash on hand and existing corporate credit facilities.

The closing of the tender offer will be subject to customary conditions, including the tender of shares which represent at least a majority of the total number of G1’s outstanding shares of common stock and the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Upon successful completion of the tender offer, Pharmacosmos would acquire all shares not acquired in the tender offer through a second-step merger for the same consideration that the tendering stockholders will receive in the tender offer.

It is anticipated the transaction will close late in the third quarter of 2024. Upon completion of the transaction, G1’s common stock will no longer be publicly listed.

As previously announced, G1 will be releasing its second quarter 2024 financial results and filing its Form 10-Q Quarterly Report tomorrow. However, due to the pending transaction, we will no longer be hosting a conference call at 8:30 am ET, August 8 to review such results.

Advisors

For Pharmacosmos, MTS Health Partners, L.P. is serving as exclusive financial advisor, and Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP is serving as legal counsel. For G1, Centerview Partners LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor, and Ropes & Gray LLP and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. are serving as legal counsel.

About COSELA (trilaciclib) for Injection

COSELA (trilaciclib) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on February 12, 2021.

Indication

COSELA (trilaciclib) is indicated to decrease the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in adult patients when administered prior to a platinum/etoposide-containing regimen or topotecan-containing regimen for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

Important Safety Information

COSELA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to trilaciclib.

Warnings and precautions include injection-site reactions (including phlebitis and thrombophlebitis), acute drug hypersensitivity reactions, interstitial lung disease (pneumonitis), and embryo-fetal toxicity.

The most common adverse reactions (>10%) were fatigue, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, aspartate aminotransferase increased, headache, and pneumonia.

This information is not comprehensive. Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

View Source

To report suspected adverse reactions, contact G1 Therapeutics at 1-800-790-G1TX or call FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.

About Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose)

Indication

Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose) is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adult patients:


who have intolerance to oral iron or have had unsatisfactory response to oral iron


who have non-hemodialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD)

Important Safety Information

Monoferric is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to Monoferric or any of its components. Reactions have included shock, clinically significant hypotension, loss of consciousness, and/or collapse.

Warnings and precautions include serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic-type reactions, some of which have been life-threatening and fatal, have been reported in patients receiving Monoferric. Patients may present with shock, clinically significant hypotension, loss of consciousness, and/or collapse. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity during and after Monoferric administration for at least 30 minutes and until clinically stable following completion of the infusion. Only administer Monoferric when personnel and therapies are immediately available for the treatment of serious hypersensitivity reactions. Monoferric is contraindicated in patients with prior serious hypersensitivity reactions to Monoferric or any of its components. In clinical trials in patients with IDA and CKD, serious or severe hypersensitivity were reported in 0.3% (6/2008) of the Monoferric treated subjects. These included 3 events of hypersensitivity in 3 patients; 2 events of infusion-related reactions in 2 patients and 1 event of asthma in one patient.

Excessive therapy with parenteral iron can lead to excess iron storage and possibly iatrogenic hemosiderosis or hemochromatosis. Monitor the hematologic response (hemoglobin and hematocrit) and iron parameters (serum ferritin and transferrin saturation) during parenteral iron therapy. Do not administer Monoferric to patients with iron overload.

Adverse reactions were reported in 8.6% (172/2008) of patients treated with Monoferric. Adverse reactions related to treatment and reported by ≥1% of the treated patients were nausea (1.2%) and rash (1%). Adjudicated serious or severe hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 6/2008 (0.3%) patients in the Monoferric group. Hypophosphatemia (serum phosphate <2.0 mg/dL) was reported in 3.5% of Monoferric-treated patients in Trials 1 & 2.

To report adverse events, please contact Pharmacosmos at 1-888-828-0655. You may also contact the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not comprehensive. Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

PeproMene Bio announced study demonstrating strong polyfunctionality of novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells

On August 7, 2024 PeproMene Bio, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech company developing novel therapies for cancers and immune disorders, reported that City of Hope-developed BAFF-R CAR T, known as PMB-CT01, demonstrated better polyfunctionality than CD19 CAR T cells, which are used in current Food and Drug Administration-approved CAR T cell therapies, according to a correlative study published in Blood Advances (Press release, PeproMene Bio, AUG 7, 2024, View Source [SID1234645516]).

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Researchers used a single-cell platform, which found that PMB-CT01 CAR T cells, had more polyfunctionality, which is T cells’ ability to perform several functions at the same time, than CD 19 CAR T cells. PMB-CT01 cells also produced more stimulatory cytokines, which can spur the immune system, and effector cytokines, which can directly kill cancer cells.

Using the City of Hope-developed assay, researchers tested a BAFF-R CAR T cell product from a 57-year-old man with relapsed mantle cell lymphoma. The patient had not achieved remission with prior CD19 CAR T cell therapies. After receiving one infusion in City of Hope’s Phase 1 trial using PMB-CT01 and experiencing minimal side effects, the man has been in complete remission over 18 months and continues to have undetectable cancer by sensitive molecular tests for minimal residual disease.

The study reported robust indicators of polyfunctionality, which correlated with successful CAR T cell expansion post-infusion and the patient’s ongoing remission. Researchers plan to use the assay to test CAR T cell products from five other patients in the trial, all of whom have experienced similar remissions to PMB-CT01.

"We developed BAFFR-CAR T therapy as another treatment option for a significant number of patients with lymphomas and leukemias who relapse after receiving commercial CD19 CAR T cell therapy, and our results so far represent the ideal maximal efficacy with minimal toxicity," said Larry W. Kwak, M.D., Ph.D., vice president and deputy director of City of Hope’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and PeproMene’s scientific founder and compensated chair of its Scientific Advisory Board. Kwak has an equity interest in PeproMene. "We have developed a robust and reliable polyfunctional assay for CAR T cell products, with the potential to predict patient outcomes and accelerate the development of effective CAR T cell therapies."

Elizabeth Budde, M.D., Ph.D., the trial’s principal investigator, an associate professor of hematology and hematopoietic cell transplantation and the executive medical director for the Immune Effector Cell Therapy Program at City of Hope, presented initial trial results at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper)’s conference in December 2023.

"It’s exciting to say that five patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and one with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia have been treated with PMB-CT01 and 100% have demonstrated durable responses," Dr. Budde said. "Many of the trial patients relapsed had after CD19 CAR T therapy and/or were CD19 negative. PMB-CT01 could present a viable option for other patients who also face this dilemma."

"This assay can be applied to current and future clinical trials to guide the development of PMB-CT01. PeproMene remains committed to the ongoing scientific and clinical development of this potentially promising new cell therapy" said Hazel Cheng Ph.D., COO of PeproMene Bio.

About PMB-CT01

PMB-CT01 is a first-in-class, BAFF-R-targeted, autologous CAR T cell therapy. BAFF-R (B- Cell Activating Factor Receptor), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, is the main receptor for BAFF and is expressed almost exclusively on B cells. Since BAFF-R signaling promotes normal B-cell proliferation and appears to be required for B-cell survival, tumor cells are unlikely to escape therapy via loss of the BAFF-R antigen. This unique characteristic makes BAFFR CAR T therapy a highly promising option for treating B-cell malignancies. The BAFFR CAR was constructed using anti-BAFF-R single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies and second-generation signaling domains CD3ζ and 4-1BB. Our research has demonstrated that BAFFR-CAR T cells effectively kill human lymphomas and leukemias both in vitro and in animal models. PeproMene Bio has licensed the intellectual property of PMB-CT01 from City of Hope.