ASH 2022: Faster, More Effective CAR T in Development by BMS for Multiple Myeloma
A next-generation CAR T product is being developed by Bristol Myers Squibb to shorten the manufacturing time down to 5-6 days, which is a remarkable advancement from current CAR T products that can take between 4-10 weeks. In the early study, it has better response rates compared to Abecma, a shorter turnaround time and can be given at a smaller dose.
CC-98633/BMS-986354 is a next-generation CAR T-cell product with a fully human BCMA-targeted CAR T. It is manufactured using the NEX-T process shorten the manufacturing time. There is also an improved potency of the product, intending to enhance the depth and durability of response. BMS-986354 is a less differentiated CAR T-cell product that may have improved effectiveness and tumor control.
The multi-center Phase I study is for relapsed multiple myeloma patients with a median age of 63 who have had at least three prior lines of treatment. The patients in this study had a median of 5 prior treatments.
Side effects included:
- Cytokine release syndrome at 81.5% at grade 1 or 2, and one patient had grade 3
- Other side effects were neurotoxicity, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia
The overall response rate across all dose levels was 95.1%. At the American Society of Hematology (ASH) presentation, Luciano Costa, MD of UAB Medicine reported that the median progression-free survival has not been reached, and 75% of the patients at six months are progression-free.
The study details include a process similar to the current CAR T Abecma product.
- The patients go through apheresis to extract the T cells.
- Patients undergo lymphodepleting chemotherapy (3 days fludarabine [30 mg/m2] and cyclophosphamide [300 mg/m2])
- The extracted cells are purified and engineered with reduced ex vivo expansion.
- The patients then receive a one-time dose of these expanded, modified cells.
For a detailed explanation of the CAR T process, see this article on HealthTree by Arturo Hurtado.
There were 3 dose levels in this study. (20 × 106, 40 × 106 and 80 × 106). This cell dose is 1/10th of the dose seen in other CAR T products.
The most exciting elements of the NEX-T product are the reduction in manufacturing time to 5 -6 days and that the manufactured CAR T demonstrated a 10-fold greater proliferative capacity at dose level 2. We look forward to the updated outcomes for the effectiveness and duration of the response.
I am hopeful that the real-world practice for manufacturing CAR T products will significantly improve as these studies provide data to guide us forward.
A next-generation CAR T product is being developed by Bristol Myers Squibb to shorten the manufacturing time down to 5-6 days, which is a remarkable advancement from current CAR T products that can take between 4-10 weeks. In the early study, it has better response rates compared to Abecma, a shorter turnaround time and can be given at a smaller dose.
CC-98633/BMS-986354 is a next-generation CAR T-cell product with a fully human BCMA-targeted CAR T. It is manufactured using the NEX-T process shorten the manufacturing time. There is also an improved potency of the product, intending to enhance the depth and durability of response. BMS-986354 is a less differentiated CAR T-cell product that may have improved effectiveness and tumor control.
The multi-center Phase I study is for relapsed multiple myeloma patients with a median age of 63 who have had at least three prior lines of treatment. The patients in this study had a median of 5 prior treatments.
Side effects included:
- Cytokine release syndrome at 81.5% at grade 1 or 2, and one patient had grade 3
- Other side effects were neurotoxicity, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia
The overall response rate across all dose levels was 95.1%. At the American Society of Hematology (ASH) presentation, Luciano Costa, MD of UAB Medicine reported that the median progression-free survival has not been reached, and 75% of the patients at six months are progression-free.
The study details include a process similar to the current CAR T Abecma product.
- The patients go through apheresis to extract the T cells.
- Patients undergo lymphodepleting chemotherapy (3 days fludarabine [30 mg/m2] and cyclophosphamide [300 mg/m2])
- The extracted cells are purified and engineered with reduced ex vivo expansion.
- The patients then receive a one-time dose of these expanded, modified cells.
For a detailed explanation of the CAR T process, see this article on HealthTree by Arturo Hurtado.
There were 3 dose levels in this study. (20 × 106, 40 × 106 and 80 × 106). This cell dose is 1/10th of the dose seen in other CAR T products.
The most exciting elements of the NEX-T product are the reduction in manufacturing time to 5 -6 days and that the manufactured CAR T demonstrated a 10-fold greater proliferative capacity at dose level 2. We look forward to the updated outcomes for the effectiveness and duration of the response.
I am hopeful that the real-world practice for manufacturing CAR T products will significantly improve as these studies provide data to guide us forward.
about the author
Beth Travis
Beth is a licensed Physical Therapist that truly believes in the benefits of exercise. Mother of two, a myeloma patient and advocate with a love of learning, healthy lifestyles and food adventures.
More on Conferences
Trending Articles
Upcoming Events
Get the latest thought leadership on your Multiple Myeloma delivered straight to your inbox
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for news, stories, clinical trial updates, and helpful resources and events with cancer experts.