Preclinical data of tetra-specific T cell engager MP0533 demonstrate preferential T cell mediated killing of AML cells, while sparing healthy cells
Results highlight MP0533-mediated T-cell activation and tumor regression, as well as cytokine release in AML models without systemic adverse effects
Published data build on results previously presented at ASH 2021 and 2022, and support the rationale for the clinical development of MP0533 as monotherapy and in combination with azacitidine/venetoclax
Ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical study continues to progress well, currently dosing patients in cohort 7
ZURICH-SCHLIEREN, Switzerland and CONCORD, Mass., April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN; NASDAQ: MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company developing a new class of custom-built protein drugs known as DARPin therapeutics, today announced a comprehensive, peer-reviewed publication of preclinical data supporting MP0533’s proposed unique mechanism of action (MoA) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Cancer Immunology Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.The publication collates and discusses multiple studies undertaken to characterize MP0533’s preclinical profile and evaluate its therapeutic potential.
Developing safe and efficacious targeted therapies for patients with AML has proven challenging as AML cells share many of the relevant target antigens with healthy cells. Through its unique MoA, MP0533 was designed to simultaneously target the proteins CD33, CD123, and CD70, which are commonly co-expressed on AML cells and rarely on healthy cells. MP0533’s binding strength increases with the number of target proteins present, leading to increased engagement of T cells when at least two of the targets are present. This results in preferential killing of AML cells.
The data published by Bianchi et al in Cancer Immunology Research in collaboration with the University of Bern build on the results presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition in December 2021 and 2022, and support MP0533’s intended MoA. MP0533 induces selective T cell-mediated killing of AML cell lines, as well as patient bone marrow-derived AML blasts and leukemic stem cells (LSCs) expressing two or three of the target antigens, while sparing healthy hematopoietic stem cells, blood and endothelial cells. MP0533 also demonstrated reduced risk of T cell fratricide observed with other CD70-targeting agents related to CD70’s upregulation on activated T cells. MP0533 was equivalent to non-CD70 targeting therapies in terms of impact on T cell count and viability, further supporting its potentially favorable on-target, off-tumor profile.
MP0533 led to tumor-localized T-cell activation and efficacious tumor regression in an antigen-dependent manner across different in vivo models. Notably, when compared to other T cell engagers that target single antigens, MP0533 led to lower levels of cytokine release, findings that were confirmed through in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo studies. This included IL-6, a cytokine known as a primary driver of cytokine release syndrome, a systemic toxicity that has so far limited the development of T cell engagers as potential treatment options of AML. Finally, an evaluation of MP0533 in combination with azacitidine and venetoclax, two chemotherapeutic drugs used in AML, suggest the MoAs may be synergistic in terms of LSC killing.
MP0533 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/2a trial in patients with relapsed/refractory AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS/AML), and the Company presented positive initial data from the first four dosing cohorts at the ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition in December 2023. The trial is currently dosing patients in cohort 7. The Company expects to present an update from the study in H1 2024.
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Reference: Bianchi M et al. Cancer Immunol Res 2024. Epub ahead of print April 29, 2024.
About MP0533 MP0533 is a novel tetra-specific T cell-engaging DARPin, which simultaneously targets the antigens CD33, CD123 and CD70 on AML cells as well as the immune activator CD3 on T cells. AML cells commonly co-express at least two of the three target antigens, whereas most healthy cells only have one or none. MP0533 binds with increasing avidity as the number of its target antigens present increases, dramatically favoring binding to AML cells over healthy cells. This unique avidity-driven mode of action is designed to enable T cell-mediated killing of AML cells while preserving a therapeutic window that minimizes damage to healthy cells.
About DARPin Therapeutics DARPin (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein) therapeutics are a new class of custom-built protein drugs based on natural binding proteins that open new dimensions of multi-functionality and multi-target specificity in drug design. The flexible architecture, intrinsic potential for high affinity and specificity, small size and high stability of DARPins offer benefits to drug design over other currently available protein-based therapeutics. DARPin candidates can be radically simple, with a single DARPin unit acting as the delivery vector to a specific target; or multispecific, with the possibility of engaging more than five targets, and combining multiple and conditional functionalities in a unique DARPin drug candidate. The DARPin platform is a rapid and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with optimized properties and high production yields. DARPin therapeutics have been clinically validated across several therapeutic areas and developed through to the registrational stage.
About Molecular Partners Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN, NASDAQ: MOLN) is a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering the design and development of DARPin therapeutics for medical challenges other drug modalities cannot readily address. The Company has programs in various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development, with oncology as its main focus. Molecular Partners leverages the advantages of DARPins to provide unique solutions to patients through its proprietary programs as well as through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. Molecular Partners was founded in 2004 and has offices in both Zurich, Switzerland and Concord, MA, USA. For more information, visit www.molecularpartners.com and find us on LinkedIn and Twitter / X @MolecularPrtnrs
For further details, please contact: Seth Lewis, SVP Investor Relations & Strategy Concord, Massachusetts, U.S. seth.lewis@molecularpartners.com Tel: +1 781 420 2361
Laura Jeanbart, PhD, Head of Portfolio Management & Communications Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland laura.jeanbart@molecularpartners.com Tel: +41 44 575 19 35
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