Carisma Therapeutics Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of CT-0525, a Novel HER2-Targeting CAR-Monocyte

Core Insights - Carisma Therapeutics has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for CT-0525, the first CAR-Monocyte therapy evaluated in humans for solid tumors [1][2] - Initial data from the trial is expected by the end of 2024, with the trial focusing on patients with HER2-overexpressing solid tumors [1][2] Company Overview - Carisma Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in innovative immunotherapies, particularly through engineered macrophages and monocytes [5] - The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, and aims to develop transformative therapies for cancer and other serious diseases [5] Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 1 trial is an open-label study assessing the safety, tolerability, and manufacturing feasibility of CT-0525 [2][4] - The trial will enroll patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors that have progressed on standard therapies, consisting of two dose escalation cohorts [2][4] Scientific Significance - CT-0525 is designed to address challenges in treating solid tumors, such as tumor infiltration and immunosuppression, with potential advantages over previous CAR-Macrophage therapies [4] - The therapy aims to enhance tumor infiltration, increase persistence, and reduce manufacturing time compared to existing treatments [4] Upcoming Presentations - Carisma will present a Trial in Progress poster at the ASCO 2024 Annual Meeting, detailing the design of the CT-0525 Phase 1 trial [3]