Cision PR Newswire

• Novel Anti-CD20/BCMA Bispecific Autologous CAR-T Therapy targeting LN and SLE

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AbelZeta Pharma, Inc. ("AbelZeta" or the "Company"), a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative and proprietary cell-based therapeutic products, today announced that preclinical data from its C-CAR168 study has been presented as a podium presentation at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024 held in Washington, DC, November 14-19, 2024. C-CAR168 is a novel autologous bi-specific CAR-T therapy targeting both CD20 and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) for the treatment of resistant and refractory Lupus Nephritis (LN) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted clearance of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application to proceed with the Phase 1 clinical development of C-CAR168 in May 2024.

Abstract Title: C-CAR168 as a Novel Anti-CD20/BCMA Bispecific Autologous CAR-T Therapy for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
Abstract Number: 0876
Session Title: Abstracts: T Cell Biology & Targets in Autoimmune & Inflammatory Disease
Session Type: Abstract Session
Session Time: 3:00PM-4:30PM EST
Presentation location: The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room143ABC
Presentation time: Saturday, November 16, 2024, 4:00PM-4:15PM EST

The presentation may be viewed on the Company website page "Publications & Presentations"

Key Highlights:

• Scientific Rationale in Targeting B Cells and Plasma Cells: C-CAR168 is engineered to selectively target CD20 and BCMA, markers associated with pathogenic B cells and long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) involved in autoimmune responses. Studies showed that C-CAR168 effectively induced cell death in CD20 and/or BCMA-positive cells, including the age-associated B cell (ABC) subset that is highly expanded in autoimmune conditions.
• Potent In Vivo Cytotoxicity: In immunodeficient mouse models, a single dose of C-CAR168 demonstrated significant activity across multiple dosage levels, effectively inhibiting the growth of CD20 and BCMA single-positive or double-positive in various xenograft models.
• Minimal Off-Target Toxicity: Comprehensive assays, including membrane proteome array, confirmed that C-CAR168 specifically targets CD20 and BCMA proteins, with no significant binding to non-target cells.
• Safety Profile: In vitro assays showed minimal risk of carcinogenicity or unintended cell transformation, supporting the potential safety of C-CAR168 as a therapeutic option.
• Clinical Development for C-CAR168: In an investigator-initiated trial in China targeting refractory/relapsing LN patients, 7 patients have been treated in a suboptimal dose and a potentially optimal dose. Depletion of both B cells and plasma cells in the blood in all patients were observed, accompanied by a favorable safety profile and early positive clinical signals at the suboptimal dose from patients that have had at least 3 months of follow up.
• Actively looking to expand into new indications such as Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM), and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) to provide guidance for global trial to be initiated around mid 2025.
• US IND submission was cleared on May 31, 2024

"We are encouraged by the progress we have made of C-CAR168 thus far. We believe we potentially have an excellent drug for patients suffering a variety of autoimmune diseases with severe manifestations and poor prognoses," said Tony (Bizuo) Liu, Chairman and CEO. "This progress marks a major stride forward for us to deliver potentially best-in-class and/or best-in-disease  innovative cellular therapies for cancer and inflammatory & immunological diseases."

Yihong Yao, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of AbelZeta, commented, "We are excited about the potential of C-CAR168. CD20 has been shown to be a highly effective target for eliminating B cells and treating r/r NHL. It has also shown good promise in autoimmune diseases as evidenced by other approved therapies. Our dual target CD20 and BCMA CAR-Ts have proven to be safe and effective in NHL and multiple myeloma. C-CAR168 was designed to recognize and kill B cells, plasmablasts and LLPCs to eliminate the source of autoantibodies and to provide a definitive treatment in a variety of severe autoimmune diseases resistant to current treatment, including LN and SLE."

About AbelZeta Pharma, Inc.
AbelZeta is a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with Centers of Excellence in Rockville, Maryland and Shanghai, China. AbelZeta is focused on developing innovative and proprietary cell-based therapeutic products and is committed to ushering in bespoke treatments that harness the body's own immune system to fight against hematological malignancies and solid tumors, as well as inflammatory and immunological diseases. AbelZeta advances research and development in its own GMP facilities at its centers of excellence for early-stage clinical studies, with a pipeline comprised of CAR-T and TIL therapies.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this communication relating to plans, strategies, specific activities, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include any risks detailed from time to time in the Company's reports. Such statements are based on the management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of management and the Company's control. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Company Contact:
Sarah Kelly
Director of Communications
AbelZeta Pharma, Inc.
+1 (240) 552 5870
sarah.kelly@abelzeta.com
www.abelzeta.com

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SOURCE AbelZeta Pharma, Inc.