LBL-034: A New Option for Myeloma Patients in Clincal Trial Stage
Posted: Aug 24, 2023
LBL-034: A New Option for Myeloma Patients in Clincal Trial Stage image

The treatment options for multiple myeloma patients seem to be ever-increasing, a prospect that fifteen years ago seemed unlikely. Those with relapsed myeloma are especially encouraged as more treatment options become available to them. 

This week, we're reporting on Nanjing Leads Biolabs new bi-specific antibody targeting GPRC5D, a target commonly found on myeloma cells.

This is a different target than BCMA, a common target for treatments such as both FDA-approved CAR-T therapies and teclistimab, a bi-specific antibody treatment commercially known as TECVAYLI®.  

In fact, the only approved FDA therapy to treat multiple myeloma that targets GPRC5D is talquetamab, another bi-specific antibody. 

Nanjing Leads Biolabs will begin their first human clinical trial in both the U.S. and China. 

Charles Cai, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of Leads Biolabs shares: 

"LBL-034 adopts a unique molecular design, which enables the drug to specifically bind to GPRC5D-expressing tumor cells with high affinity, and reduces the risk of non-specific activation of T-cells, thereby enhancing anti-tumor efficacy and reducing potential risk of immune-mediated side effects."

This Phase 1 study will be for myeloma patients who failed to respond or relapsed after prior treatments including one proteasome inhibitor (such as bortezomib) and an immunomodulator (such as lenalidomide). 

The study will be open-label, which means both researchers and participants will be aware of the treatment participants receive. The purpose of this Phase 1 trial is to test the drug's safety, tolerability, and efficacy while identifying an optimal dose for a future Phase 2 trial.


Immunotherapy Resources 

The treatment options for multiple myeloma patients seem to be ever-increasing, a prospect that fifteen years ago seemed unlikely. Those with relapsed myeloma are especially encouraged as more treatment options become available to them. 

This week, we're reporting on Nanjing Leads Biolabs new bi-specific antibody targeting GPRC5D, a target commonly found on myeloma cells.

This is a different target than BCMA, a common target for treatments such as both FDA-approved CAR-T therapies and teclistimab, a bi-specific antibody treatment commercially known as TECVAYLI®.  

In fact, the only approved FDA therapy to treat multiple myeloma that targets GPRC5D is talquetamab, another bi-specific antibody. 

Nanjing Leads Biolabs will begin their first human clinical trial in both the U.S. and China. 

Charles Cai, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of Leads Biolabs shares: 

"LBL-034 adopts a unique molecular design, which enables the drug to specifically bind to GPRC5D-expressing tumor cells with high affinity, and reduces the risk of non-specific activation of T-cells, thereby enhancing anti-tumor efficacy and reducing potential risk of immune-mediated side effects."

This Phase 1 study will be for myeloma patients who failed to respond or relapsed after prior treatments including one proteasome inhibitor (such as bortezomib) and an immunomodulator (such as lenalidomide). 

The study will be open-label, which means both researchers and participants will be aware of the treatment participants receive. The purpose of this Phase 1 trial is to test the drug's safety, tolerability, and efficacy while identifying an optimal dose for a future Phase 2 trial.


Immunotherapy Resources 

The author Audrey Burton-Bethke

about the author
Audrey Burton-Bethke

Audrey is a content writer and editor for the HealthTree Foundation. She originally joined the HealthTree Foundation in 2020. Audrey loves spending time with her supportive husband, energetic four-year-old, and new baby.