Chimeric Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:CHM) has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1B CHM 0201 + Vactosertib clinical trial.
The new trial is led by UH Seidman oncologist J Eva Selfridge and is designed to treat 12 patients with either locally advanced/metastatic colorectal cancer or relapsed/refractory blood cancers.
Essentially, the cell therapy company’s latest study is designed to build on the clinical responses seen in its Phase 1A trial by adding Vactosertib, an oral TGF-β receptor inhibitor that can potentially disrupt the TGF-β signalling pathway.
Chimeric is conducting the first trial to assess natural killer (NK) cells in combination with Vactosertib in patients with advanced colorectal and blood cancers with approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
Importantly, the trial is funded without financial support from Chimeric Therapeutics, freeing up its cashflow for future clinical initiatives.
“Meaningful step forward”
Chimeric CEO and managing director Jennifer Chow said: “Both advanced colorectal cancer and acute myeloid leukemia continue to be defined by high unmet needs in the relapse/refractory setting.
“Dosing of the first patient in this trial is a meaningful step towards realizing the potential of CHM 0201 in providing better options for treatment and care to these patients.”
About the study
Chimeric’s CHM 0201 (CORE NK) platform is a potential best-in-class natural killer cell platform of ex-vivo expanded, non-HLA-matched universal donor NK cells.
The platform was previously studied in a Phase 1 clinical trial that established safety with no GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease) and 28-day NK cell persistence.
The trial also reported an encouraging early efficacy signal, particularly in blood cancers, where all patients achieved disease control and one patient achieved a complete response that was sustained for over 15 months at the time of study publication.
Moreover, the clinical activity speaks to Chimeric’s broader mission: to bring the promise of cell therapy to life for more patients with cancer.