Summary
- Clinical stage cell therapy company Chimeric Therapeutics is developing CLTX CAR T cell therapy, which has the ability to address the high unmet medical need of glioblastoma (GBM).
- In May 2021, the oncology player commenced the second dose cohort in the Phase 1 trial of its CLTX CAR T therapy.
- Chimeric will continue to provide Phase 1 clinical trial updates as the trial progress is on track. The Company is also actively planning to initiate Phase 2 registration trial.
ASX-listed oncology firm Chimeric Therapeutics Limited (ASX:CHM) is committed to bringing cell therapy to patients suffering from the most challenging form of cancer. CHM is focused on finding cures for the challenging indications and believes that innovative cellular therapies have the potential to do that.
DO READ: Chimeric Therapeutics bringing innovation to the fore with its CLTX CAR T Therapy
CLTX-CAR T-Cell Therapy
Chlorotoxin CAR T (CLTX CAR T) cell therapy uses a peptide found in scorpion venom - chlorotoxin. It is a potential best-in-class CAR T cell therapy, which can tackle the high unmet medical need of patients suffering from recurrent or progressive glioblastoma (GBM). Research to develop the intellectual property (IP) covering this revolutionary CAR T cell therapy was conducted at the City of Hope.
Preclinical studies demonstrated that CLTX CAR T cells have potent antitumour activity against GBM, a fast-growing and aggressive brain cancer.
Currently, Chimeric Therapeutics is conducting CLTX CAR T therapy clinical trials at the City of Hope. On 24 May 2021, the Company announced the commencement of the second dose cohort in Phase 1 clinical trial. CHM highlighted that the second cohort introduces dual routes of administration of CLTX CAR T cells [intracranial intratumoral (ICT) and intracranial intraventricular (ICV) dosing].
On the initiation of second dose cohort of CLTX Phase 1 trial, Jennifer Chow, Chief Operating Officer of Chimeric Therapeutics, commented-
READ MORE: Another milestone as Chimeric Therapeutics’ (ASX:CHM) Phase 1 CLTX CAR T trial moves ahead
Novel Features of CLTX-CAR T-Cell Therapy
CLTX-CAR T-cell therapy uses chlorotoxin (CLTX) as the tumour-recognition domain, which identifies a multireceptor complex containing MMP2 to bind to GBM cells. Novel features of the therapy include-
Source: CHM-ASCO-Presentation (June 2021)
Chimeric expanding into additional tumours
The Company believes that chlorotoxin has plenty of promise outside of GBM, and preclinical models of CLTX therapy support the belief. Thus, Chimeric Therapeutics is now considering developing and designing a Phase 1 clinical trial to expand chlorotoxin into new indications. Currently, CHM focuses on melanoma, looking at colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and small cell lung cancer.
MUST WATCH: Expert Talks With Kalkine || Ms Jennifer Chow, Chief Operating Officer of Chimeric Therapeutics
Source: CHM Presentation (18 March 2021)
Chimeric Therapeutics is well positioned and is building a team of experts, which can provide the necessary insights to address unique challenges in the cell therapy space.
ALSO READ: Meet the leadership team behind Chimeric Therapeutics’ innovative CLTX-CAR T therapy
Outlook: the way forward
The Company anticipates the rest of 2021 to be incredibly busy. With chlorotoxin, CHM will continue to provide Phase 1 clinical trial updates as the trial advances and remains on track. In addition, the oncology firm will be defining the Phase 2 trial manufacturing strategy and the clinical trial protocol for the Phase 2 registration trial.
Furthermore, the Company will also focus on establishing cell therapy expertise to enable rapid development as well as commercialisation of CLTX CAR T.
Source: CHM Presentation (June 2021)
On 24 June 2021, CHM shares were trading at AU$0.285 (at 02:18 PM AEST).
MUST READ: Using scorpion venom to treat tumours: A look at Chimeric Therapeutics' CLTX technology
