Artiva Biotherapeutics has begun a Phase 1 trial of its AlloNK (AB-101) cell therapy in combination with monoclonal antibodies for lupus nephritis (LN). AlloNK is a cryopreserved, allogeneic NK cell therapy that enhances monoclonal antibodies’ activity against B-cells.
Autologous CAR-T cell studies have shown that B-cell depletion can improve LN symptoms and potentially provide long-term responses. Artiva’s analysis of AlloNK’s Phase 1/2 trial in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) revealed that all patients achieved non-quantifiable B-cell levels within eight days of treatment, regardless of initial B-cell levels.
AlloNK has also shown complete responses in B-NHL patients, based on imaging of tumor lesions. Artiva believes these results support the therapeutic potential of AlloNK in autoimmune diseases, as B-NHL and autoimmune diseases share lymphoid tissues.
The Phase 1 trial will evaluate AlloNK’s safety and effectiveness in combination with rituximab or obinutuzumab in patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant LN. The treatment includes cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, AlloNK, and monoclonal antibodies.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
