Clinical-stage biotechnology company Ichnos Sciences has announced the dosing of the first patients in the Phase I clinical trial of an antibody designed to treat multiple myeloma.
The US-based firm made the announcement following approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) in Australia and IND clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Named Treat but known generically as ISB 2001, the antibody is described as a multi-specific immune cell engager aimed at targeting relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
The first-in-human trial (NCT05862012) is an open-label, multicentre study that has enrolled 80 participants and will include the dose expansion and escalation parts. It is expected to finish sometime in 2027.
The company says that the T-cell-engaging antibody exhibits heightened specificity in recognising and binding to tumour cells and exhibits higher potency in vitro when compared to a combination of daratumumab and teclistamab.
Ichnos CEO Cyril Konto said: “Our novel approach to targeting multiple molecules intends to enhance specificity, engage the immune system, and offer potential synergistic effects in our ongoing pursuit of groundbreaking cancer treatments.
"Not only does the advancement of ISB 2001 demonstrate our shared commitment to providing curative therapies that may extend and improve lives, but it's also a testament to the operational excellence that enables us to run concurrent clinical programmes in pursuit of our vital mission."
GlobalData’s pharmaceutical database shows that there are currently 62 drugs marketed for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, with more than half in relapsed multiple myeloma.
GlobalData is the parent company of Clinical Trials Arena.
The trial is taking place at facilities across the US and Australia and marks the third of Ichinos’s clinical-stage oncology assets under investigation for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.
Ichnos chief medical officer Lida Pacaud said: "We look forward to advancing our understanding of its safety and efficacy profile as we progress through this first-in-human study, driven by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of haemato-oncology.”
