Indapta Therapeutics and Sanofi are collaborating to investigate the combined efficacy and safety of Indapta’s allogeneic g-NK cell therapy, IDP-023, and Sanofi’s monoclonal antibody, Sarclisa, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. This partnership aims to enhance the treatment options for this challenging blood cancer by combining a novel cell therapy with an established targeted therapy. The collaboration involves a Phase 1 study amendment to include a cohort receiving the combination therapy, with Indapta sponsoring the trial, Sanofi providing Sarclisa, and both parties sharing the funding.
For Indapta, this collaboration provides access to Sanofi’s expertise in multiple myeloma and resources to further develop their promising cell therapy. For Sanofi, it offers an opportunity to potentially enhance the efficacy of Sarclisa and expand its presence in the multiple myeloma treatment landscape. For patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, this combination therapy holds the potential for a more effective treatment option, particularly given the limitations of current therapies.
Initial results from the IDP-023 monotherapy study have shown a mean maximum reduction in serum M-protein or light chain of 73% in eight patients. This promising efficacy, coupled with IDP-023’s unique mechanisms of action, including enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and targeting of HLA-E expressing cells, differentiates it from conventional NK cell therapies. The combination with Sarclisa, a CD38-targeting antibody, aims to leverage these mechanisms to further enhance anti-tumor activity. Preclinical studies have already demonstrated the superior efficacy of this combination compared to conventional NK cells in combination with monoclonal antibodies. The ability of g-NK cells to release significantly more immune activating cytokines and cell-killing compounds compared to conventional NK cells further underscores the therapeutic potential of this approach.
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation cell therapies for multiple myeloma. The combination of IDP-023 and Sarclisa has the potential to offer a more effective and potentially curative treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory disease. The outcome of this Phase 1 study will be crucial in determining the future direction of this combination therapy and its potential to transform the treatment landscape for multiple myeloma. Furthermore, the unique properties of g-NK cells, such as their enhanced ADCC and inherent anti-viral activity, may open doors for exploring their application in other cancers and autoimmune diseases. The platform technology holds promise for developing more potent, accessible, and scalable cell therapies in the future.
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.
