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Cartesian Therapeutics Announces Strong Efficacy Signal in Phase 2 Trial of Descartes-08 in Patients with SLE and Expansion of Clinical Development into Myositis
Globenewswire· 2025-11-13 21:05
Core Insights - Cartesian Therapeutics announced positive initial data from the Phase 2 open-label trial of Descartes-08 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), showing a 100% LLDAS response rate at Month 3 follow-up [1][2][6] - The company plans to pause further development of Descartes-08 in SLE to focus on opportunities in myasthenia gravis (MG) and myositis [4][11] Group 1: Clinical Trial Results - In the ongoing Phase 2 trial, 100% of participants who reached Month 3 follow-up achieved Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) response, indicating low disease activity [6] - Disease remission, defined by the DORIS response, was reported in 2 out of 3 patients at Month 3 [6] - Descartes-08 demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no cases of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) reported [6] Group 2: Future Development Plans - Cartesian plans to initiate a seamless adaptive clinical trial design for myositis, with a pivotal trial expected to commence in the first half of 2026 [7][8] - The upcoming myositis trial will assess Descartes-08 against placebo in patients with moderate to severe multi-refractory dermatomyositis and antisynthetase syndrome [8] - The company aims to file an investigational new drug application (IND) for the myositis trial by the end of 2025 [8] Group 3: Financial Outlook - Following the pause in development of Descartes-08 in SLE and Descartes-15 in multiple myeloma, the company expects its current cash resources to support operations through mid-2027 [11]
Legend Biotech Celebrates Official Opening of New State-of-the-Art Cell Therapy Research and Development Facility in Philadelphia
Globenewswire· 2025-11-13 17:08
Core Insights - Legend Biotech has officially opened a new 31,000-square-foot R&D facility in Philadelphia, enhancing its position as a leader in cell therapy innovation [3][4][5] - The facility will support the development of CAR-T therapies for oncology and immunology indications, contributing to Legend's expanding pipeline of next-generation cell therapies [4][5][9] Company Overview - Legend Biotech is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, and employs over 2,900 individuals, making it the largest standalone cell therapy company [9] - The company is known for its CARVYKTI treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, which has been administered to over 9,000 patients across 132 treatment centers in 44 states [9] Facility Details - The new Philadelphia facility features advanced laboratories and collaborative workspaces aimed at fostering innovation and accelerating research programs [4][5] - Approximately 55 full-time employees will work at the new site, which complements Legend's existing R&D presence in Piscataway, New Jersey [5][6] Industry Context - The opening of the facility reflects the strength of Philadelphia's life sciences ecosystem, which is home to top-tier scientific talent and research institutions [8] - Local officials and industry leaders have expressed enthusiasm for Legend Biotech's investment, highlighting its potential to create high-quality jobs and enhance the city's reputation in healthcare innovation [8]
Kyverna Therapeutics Provides Business Update and Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Globenewswire· 2025-11-12 21:05
Core Insights - Kyverna Therapeutics is advancing its clinical programs with topline data for stiff person syndrome (SPS) expected in early 2026, ahead of the previous guidance of the first half of 2026, and a Biologics License Application (BLA) submission anticipated in the first half of 2026 [1][6][8] - Positive interim Phase 2 data in generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) has been reported, with plans to enroll the first patient for the registrational Phase 3 trial by the end of 2025 [1][6][8] - The company has secured a loan facility of up to $150 million to enhance financial flexibility and support late-stage development in gMG and SPS, as well as pre-launch activities [1][8] Clinical Development Updates - Kyverna is focusing on its neuroimmunology CAR T franchise, targeting high unmet needs in conditions such as SPS and gMG [3][5] - The KYSA-6 trial for gMG has shown all primary and secondary endpoints achieved, with significant clinical improvements observed as early as two weeks [6][12] - KYV-101, the lead CAR T-cell therapy, has demonstrated a manageable safety profile with no high-grade cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) reported [6][12] Financial Performance - As of September 30, 2025, Kyverna reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $171.1 million, with an expected cash runway into 2027 [9][21] - Research and development expenses for the quarter were $30.5 million, compared to $29.2 million for the same period in 2024, while general and administrative expenses decreased to $8.3 million from $9.6 million [10][11] - The net loss for the quarter was $36.8 million, or $0.85 per share, compared to a net loss of $34.5 million, or $0.80 per share, for the same period in 2024 [12][19] Future Milestones - Upcoming milestones include the reporting of topline data for the KYSA-8 Phase 2 trial in SPS in early 2026 and the initiation of enrollment for the registrational Phase 3 trial in gMG by year-end 2025 [13][15] - The company plans to file an investigational new drug (IND) application for KYV-102, a next-generation CAR T therapy, in the fourth quarter of 2025 [7][13]
Artiva Biotherapeutics (NasdaqGM:ARTV) Conference Transcript
2025-11-12 17:30
Summary of Artiva Biotherapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Artiva Biotherapeutics (NasdaqGM:ARTV) - **Product**: AlloNK, an allogeneic NK cell therapy product focused on oncology and autoimmune diseases [4][10] Key Points and Arguments Product Mechanism and Development - **AlloNK Mechanism**: Utilizes non-genetically modified NK cells activated by monoclonal antibodies, specifically targeting CD20 on B cells [4] - **Patient Dosing**: Over 100 patients dosed, with around 70 in oncology showing high and durable responses, indicating potential in autoimmune diseases [4][10] - **Regimen**: Involves cyclophosphamide and fludarabine conditioning, followed by AlloNK and monoclonal antibodies like rituximab [5] Manufacturing and Scalability - **Scalable Process**: Developed by GC Cell, allowing production from umbilical cord units, yielding thousands of vials with a billion cryopreserved cells each [6] - **Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)**: Projected at $1,000 or less per billion cell vial, totaling $3,000 for three doses of a billion cells, and $12,000 for four billion cells [7] Clinical Trials and Focus - **Current Focus**: Exclusively on autoimmune diseases with three ongoing trials targeting rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's, myositis, scleroderma, lupus, and lupus nephritis [10] - **Lead Indication**: Prioritizing rheumatoid arthritis due to high unmet need and fast-track designation received [10][12] Safety and Efficacy - **Safety Profile**: Low rates of CRS and ICANS, with virtually no hospitalizations; lymphodepletion managed effectively with anti-infective coverage [14][16] - **Efficacy Data**: Confidence in achieving meaningful B cell reductions and durable clinical responses, with plans to share data on at least 15 RA patients in the first half of 2026 [20][24] Market Position and Future Directions - **Competitive Landscape**: Acknowledgment of a crowded market with many companies in deep B cell depletion; emphasis on the importance of lead indication and unmet need [34] - **Future Indications**: Potential future pursuits include myositis and Sjogren's, focusing on indications that require both efficacy and tolerability for community settings [32][33] Investor Insights - **Underappreciated Aspects**: Investors should focus on the specific unmet needs Artiva addresses and the potential for being first in the market rather than comparing products broadly [34] Additional Important Information - **Regulatory Considerations**: Anticipation of productive discussions with the FDA regarding pivotal trials for rheumatoid arthritis [30] - **Durability Expectations**: Aiming for a 12-24 month durability in responses, which would significantly benefit patients who are refractory to standard treatments [26][28]
Legend Biotech(LEGN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-12 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, CARVYKTI net trade sales reached approximately $524 million, representing an 84% year-over-year increase [7][17] - Total revenues for the quarter were $272 million, driven by collaboration revenue growth of 84% year-over-year [26] - The company reported a net loss of $40 million, with an adjusted net loss of $19 million after excluding non-core items [27][29] - Operating loss improved by 38% to $43 million compared to the same period last year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CARVYKTI's U.S. net trade sales were $396 million, growing 53% year-over-year and 11% quarter-over-quarter [18] - International sales reached $128 million, nearly five times the amount from the same period a year ago, representing a 58% increase quarter-over-quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has treated over 9,000 patients with CARVYKTI, marking it as the strongest CAR-T launch to date [7] - The number of authorized treatment centers in the U.S. has increased to 132, with about one-third being community and regional hospitals [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to solidify its leadership in cell therapy and expand CARVYKTI into frontline settings [15][16] - Plans include increasing manufacturing capacity to support the treatment of over 10,000 patients annually [19][23] - The company is focused on educating physicians about CARVYKTI's overall survival benefits and the importance of early treatment [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving profitability for CARVYKTI by the end of 2025 and company-wide profitability in 2026 [16][29] - The company is optimistic about the long-term growth potential in both the U.S. and international markets, particularly in community settings [15][18] Other Important Information - The FDA has approved an update to include CARVYKTI's overall survival benefit in its label, enhancing its market position [9] - The company is investing in operational efficiency and disciplined expense management to support long-term growth [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What will be the best way to prioritize cash in terms of pipeline assets? - The company plans to maximize the CARVYKTI franchise and invest significantly in its CAR-T platform [33] Question: Is the Raritan site expansion on track? - The expansion is on track, with the facility expected to support 10,000 doses annually [36] Question: What are the expectations for authorized treatment centers in 2026? - The company aims to expand coverage to match competitors, targeting over 160 sites [40] Question: How will the company mobilize demand to fulfill new supply? - The focus will be on educating physicians about the benefits of early treatment and leveraging community networks [44] Question: What is the impact of loosening REMS requirements? - The changes are expected to facilitate quicker patient transitions back home, enhancing patient access [95] Question: What are the expectations for international growth? - Strong uptake is noted in Germany, Spain, and Belgium, with TechLane expected to enhance capacity for European launches [88]
Legend Biotech(LEGN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-12 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, CARVYKTI net trade sales reached approximately $524 million, representing an 84% year-over-year increase [5][16] - Total revenues for the quarter were $272 million, driven by collaboration revenue growth of 84% year-over-year [25] - The company reported a net loss of $40 million, with an adjusted net loss of $19 million after excluding non-core items [25][26] - Operating loss improved by 38% to $43 million compared to the same period last year [26] - The gross margin on net product sales remained consistent at 57% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CARVYKTI's utilization in the U.S. is primarily in earlier line settings, with 60% of utilization occurring there [16][19] - U.S. net trade sales of CARVYKTI grew 53% year-over-year, while international sales reached $128 million, nearly five times the amount from the same period last year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has expanded its authorized treatment centers to 132 sites in the U.S., with about one-third being community and regional hospitals [20] - Internationally, the company has launched in 14 markets, with strong uptake in Germany, Spain, and Belgium [22][90] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to solidify its leadership in cell therapy and expand CARVYKTI into frontline settings [12][14] - Plans for capacity expansion are underway, with expectations to treat over 10,000 patients annually [22][39] - The company is focused on educating physicians about CARVYKTI's overall survival benefits and the importance of early treatment [19][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving profitability for CARVYKTI by the end of 2025 and company-wide profitability in 2026 [15][27] - The company anticipates continued strong demand for CARVYKTI, driven by its unique clinical outcomes and operational efficiencies [25][27] Other Important Information - The company has a cash position of nearly $1 billion, allowing for continued investment in core differentiators in cell therapy [15] - The FDA has approved an update to CARVYKTI's label to include overall survival benefits [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will the company prioritize cash allocation in 2026? - The company plans to maximize the CARVYKTI franchise and invest in manufacturing and expanding its CAR-T platform [30][31] Question: What is the status of the Raritan site expansion? - The expansion is on track, with completion expected before the end of 2025 [33] Question: What are the expectations for authorized treatment centers in 2026? - The company aims to expand coverage to match competitors, targeting over 160 sites [37][38] Question: How will the company mobilize demand to fulfill new supply? - The focus will be on educating physicians about the benefits of early treatment and leveraging community networks [41][43] Question: What is the impact of loosening REMS requirements? - The changes are expected to facilitate quicker patient transitions back home, enhancing overall patient experience [95] Question: What are the expectations for international growth? - Strong demand is noted in Germany, Spain, and Belgium, with TechLane expected to enhance capacity for European launches [90][91]
Artiva Biotherapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Recent Business Highlights
Globenewswire· 2025-11-12 12:00
Core Insights - Artiva Biotherapeutics has treated over 100 patients with AlloNK across autoimmune and oncology indications, marking a significant milestone for the company [2][6] - The FDA has granted Fast Track Designation to AlloNK for refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA), establishing it as the first therapy in the deep B-cell depletion category to receive this designation [6][2] - Initial clinical response data for refractory RA is expected in the first half of 2026, with plans for FDA discussions to align on pivotal trial design [2][6] Company Updates - Artiva will host a webcast to discuss initial safety and translational data from clinical trials evaluating AlloNK in combination with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies [6][2] - The company announced a transition in its Chief Financial Officer position, with Neha Krishnamohan moving to an advisory role by the end of December 2025 [4] Financial Performance - As of September 30, 2025, Artiva reported cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaling $123.0 million, which is expected to fund operations into Q2 2027 [10][12] - Research and development expenses for Q3 2025 were $17.6 million, an increase from $13.5 million in Q3 2024 [10][14] - The net loss for Q3 2025 was $21.5 million, compared to a net loss of $17.5 million in Q3 2024 [10][14]
Ernexa Therapeutics to Present at Oxford Global’s Cell 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-11-11 12:00
Core Insights - Ernexa Therapeutics is set to present at Cell 2025, focusing on innovations in cell therapies for advanced cancer and autoimmune diseases [1][3] - The presentations will emphasize the importance of smart trial design and early regulatory engagement to accelerate clinical progress in cell therapy development [1][2] Company Overview - Ernexa Therapeutics (NASDAQ: ERNA) specializes in developing innovative cell therapies, particularly through engineering induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into induced mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) [4] - The company’s lead product, ERNA-101, aims to activate the immune system to target cancer cells, with a specific focus on ovarian cancer treatment [5] Event Details - The Cell 2025 event will take place on November 11-12, 2025, in London, UK, and is a key gathering for professionals in bioprocessing and advanced therapies [3] - Sanjeev Luther, President and CEO of Ernexa, will participate in a panel discussion addressing funding, innovation, and regulatory strategies for advancing their iMSC platform [2]
ProKidney Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Regulatory and Clinical Updates
Globenewswire· 2025-11-10 21:15
Core Viewpoint - ProKidney Corp. reported promising results from its Phase 2 REGEN-007 study, indicating that rilparencel may effectively stabilize kidney function in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes, supporting the ongoing Phase 3 PROACT 1 study [2][3][4]. Financial Highlights - As of September 30, 2025, ProKidney had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $271.7 million, down from $358.3 million at the end of 2024, which is expected to fund operations into mid-2027 [5][6]. - Research and development expenses for Q3 2025 were $26.8 million, a decrease from $31.3 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to reduced clinical operation costs [8]. - General and administrative expenses decreased to $11.9 million in Q3 2025 from $17.7 million in Q3 2024, mainly due to lower non-cash impairment charges [9]. - The net loss before noncontrolling interest was $35.8 million for Q3 2025, compared to $41.1 million for the same period in 2024 [10]. Clinical Updates - The Phase 2 REGEN-007 study showed a 4.6 mL/min/1.73m improvement in the annual decline in eGFR slope for Group 1, representing a 78% improvement, which was statistically significant (p<0.001) [7]. - Among Group 1 patients, 63% met the key PROACT 1 inclusion criteria, with a 5.5 mL/min/1.73m improvement in eGFR slope observed in this subgroup, indicating an 85% improvement (p=0.005) [7]. - The FDA has confirmed that the eGFR slope can serve as a surrogate endpoint for the accelerated approval pathway for rilparencel, with topline data readout expected in Q2 2027 [4][6]. Company Overview - ProKidney is focused on developing rilparencel, a first-in-class autologous cell therapy for patients with Stage 3b/4 CKD and diabetes, addressing a significant unmet need in the treatment of CKD [11][15].
Ernexa Therapeutics Reports Strong Quarterly Performance, Highlighting Operational Execution and Progress Toward First-in-Human Cell Therapy Trials
Globenewswire· 2025-11-10 13:35
Core Insights - Ernexa Therapeutics reported a significant reduction in operating losses, with a 44% decline year-over-year, indicating effective operational execution and financial discipline [1][11] - The company is advancing its lead program, ERNA-101, towards a first-in-human Phase 1 study in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, expected to commence in the second half of 2026 [1][6] - Ernexa has established a partnership with Cellipont Bioservices to enhance the development of ERNA-101, alongside reporting substantial year-over-year financial performance improvements [3][4] Financial Performance - The operating loss for the three months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by $0.3 million, or 12%, from $2.3 million in the same period of 2024 to $2.0 million [11] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the operating loss decreased by $5.8 million, or 44%, from $13.0 million in 2024 to $7.2 million [11] - General and administrative expenses saw a significant reduction, with a 72% decrease from $3.4 million to $1.0 million for the three-month period, primarily due to a decrease in rent and legal fees [11] Development Programs - Ernexa is utilizing synthetic, allogeneic induced mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) for scalable, off-the-shelf treatments, focusing on ovarian cancer and autoimmune diseases [4][8] - ERNA-101 is designed to secrete pro-inflammatory fusion cytokines and is currently in preclinical development for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer [5][9] - ERNA-201 targets inflammation and is in preclinical development for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases [5][9] Strategic Collaborations - The partnership with Cellipont Bioservices is a strategic move to advance ERNA-101 towards clinical trials [3][4] - A sponsored research agreement with MD Anderson Cancer Center aims to leverage MSCs' tumor-homing ability to enhance anti-tumor activity while minimizing systemic toxicity [6]