Celyad advances first NKG2D CAR T-Cell Phase I study

Celyad, a specialist in the discovery and development of engineered cell therapies, with clinical programs in cardiovascular disease and immuno-oncology, has announced the infusion of the first patient of the second cohort of its Phase I clinical trial evaluating its NKG2D CAR T-Cell therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma (MM) indications.

Dr. Christian Homsy, CEO of Celyad, said the treatment of the first patient enrolled in the second cohort of the company’s first-in-man Phase I trial evaluating NKG2D CAR T-Cells demonstrates continued progress in developing its immune-oncology program.

“Once the safety evaluation is complete, we expect to continue enrolment in the study to further evaluate the therapy’s safety and to determine an appropriate dose,” Homsy said.

“Due to its unique ability to target ligands present on most cancers, we believe our NKG2D CAR T-Cells have potential as a new treatment option for patients with a broad range of cancer types, including haematological malignancies and various solid tumors,” he added.

Dr. Frédéric Lehmann, Vice President of Immuno-Oncology at Celyad, added: “I am grateful to our dedicated investigators at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and look forward to completing enrolment in this important trial. Celyad continues to be committed to developing immune-oncology CAR-T programs that should provide clinically meaningful benefit for patients.

According to the company, the Phase I/IIa trial is designed to assess the safety and feasibility of NKG2D CAR T-Cells, with secondary endpoints including clinical activity.

Data from first part Phase I in mid 2016

Celyad further said that data readouts from the first 12 patients treated in the Phase I portion are expected in mid-2016. Once the recommended dose is determined, the IIa phase of the trial will commence, with 12 additional patients treated at the recommended dose, the company concluded.