PHILADELPHIA - Century Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IPSC), a biotechnology firm with a market capitalization of $77.32 million focused on developing cell therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, has announced a partnership with Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg for a Phase 1/2 trial of its investigational cell therapy CNTY-101. The company's stock, currently trading at $0.91, has seen significant volatility over the past year, with InvestingPro analysis indicating the shares are currently undervalued. The trial, led by Professors Georg Schett and Andreas Mackensen, will evaluate the therapy in patients with B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, marking the group's first assessment of allogeneic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived CD19-directed NK cell therapy in this domain.
The Schett/Mackensen group, known for their pioneering work in cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, will conduct the trial, named CARAMEL, which aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and translational data of CNTY-101. The therapy is designed to target systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
This collaboration is expected to complement Century's ongoing Phase 1 CALiPSO-1 trial and contribute to a deeper understanding of CNTY-101's potential in treating autoimmune conditions. The CARAMEL trial is set to begin in mid-2025, following regulatory approval.
The company's CEO, Brent Pfeiffenberger, expressed optimism about the trial, highlighting the therapy's promising pre-clinical and clinical data, which demonstrates its anti-B cell activity and safety profile. Dr. Andreas Mackensen also commented on the potential of CNTY-101 to revolutionize the treatment of autoimmune diseases by offering a consistent, off-the-shelf product that could be administered in outpatient settings.
Century Therapeutics is also planning to expand the CALiPSO-1 clinical trial to include additional sites in Europe. The company will update on the initial clinical data from the CALiPSO-1 trial once patient enrollment is established across the different indications.
The Schett/Mackensen group's previous research showed that autologous CD19 CAR-T cell therapy led to significant clinical outcomes in patients with severe autoimmune diseases, including long-term, drug-free remission. This has set the stage for further clinical investigation of cell therapies for these conditions.
Century Therapeutics emphasizes its commitment to developing off-the-shelf cell therapies that could improve patient access and advance the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. While the company's financial health score is currently rated as WEAK by InvestingPro, analysts maintain optimistic price targets ranging from $4 to $12, suggesting significant potential upside. The company generated revenue of $2.68 million in the last twelve months, with upcoming earnings expected on March 13, 2025. This article is based on a press release statement from Century Therapeutics, Inc.[Get detailed financial analysis and 12+ additional ProTips for Century Therapeutics with InvestingPro]
In other recent news, Century Therapeutics has reported significant developments. The company's Phase I CALiPSO-1 study of CNTY-101 in various autoimmune diseases continues to progress, with promising Phase I ELiPSE-1 data indicating an overall response rate of 83% in B cell lymphoma patients. Piper Sandler has adjusted its price target for Century Therapeutics, reducing it to $4 from $12, while maintaining an Overweight rating. Clear Street, on the other hand, initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $9 price target, emphasizing the potential of Century's induced pluripotent stem cell platform and Allo-Evasion technology.
Century Therapeutics has ended its collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY), effective March 12, 2025, despite the partnership's focus on developing therapies for hematologic malignancies. However, the company remains optimistic about the scientific advancements made during the collaboration and plans to continue exploring opportunities related to acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma.
Lastly, Century Therapeutics has announced changes to its executive leadership, appointing Morgan Conn, Ph.D., as the new Chief Financial Officer, and Chad Cowan, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer. These are recent developments that reflect the ongoing evolution of Century Therapeutics.
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