Legend Biotech's In Vivo CAR-T Therapy Shows 100% Response in Early Trial

Legend Biotech has unveiled promising early results for its experimental in vivo CAR-T therapy, LB2501. The treatment targets patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (RR B-NHL). This marks the first clinical proof-of-concept for the novel therapy. LB2501 is designed as a potential first-in-class dual-targeting therapy. It works by generating CAR-T cells inside the patient after a single infusion. In a Phase 1 study, it demonstrated dose-dependent CAR-T expansion without the need for lymphodepletion.

The higher dose level (DL2) achieved a 100% objective response rate in RR B-NHL patients. Additionally, 83.3% of these patients experienced a complete response. The therapy also showed a strong safety profile, with no reported dose-limiting toxicities, serious adverse events, neurotoxicity, or deaths.

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a common cancer, making up about 85% of all NHL cases. It includes various subtypes with differing levels of aggressiveness. Legend Biotech, known for its CARVYKTI treatment for multiple myeloma, collaborates with Johnson & Johnson on this therapy. The company employs over 3,000 people and leads the field in cell therapy innovation. The early data suggests LB2501 could offer a new approach for treating RR B-NHL. Its ability to generate CAR-T cells in vivo without lymphodepletion and its favourable safety results are notable. However, the company cautions that forward-looking statements remain subject to risks and uncertainties.