Experimental Treatments for Myeloma

Anitocabtagene autoleucel, or anito-cel, is an experimental CAR T-cell therapy being developed by Kite and Arcellx for multiple myeloma. Administered via a one-time intravenous infusion, the therapy works by helping immune T-cells more effectively recognize and kill cancerous cells.

Arlocabtagene autoleucel, or arlo-cel, is an experimental CAR T-cell therapy being developed by Bristol Myers Squibb for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Administered via a one-time intravenous infusion, the therapy works by helping immune T-cells more effectively recognize and kill cancerous cells.

DTP3 is designed to inhibit two proteins in the NF-kB pathway called GADD45b and MKK7. Normally, the interaction between GADD45b and MKK7 results in cells evading programmed cell death. DTP3 blocks this mechanism and prevents these two proteins from interacting, thus promoting cell death. A small Phase 1/2a pilot study in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients has been completed in the U.K.

Equecabtagene autoleucel, or eque-cel, is an experimental CAR T-cell therapy being developed by IASO Biotechnology for people with multiple myeloma. Administered via a one-time intravenous infusion, the therapy enhances immune T cells’ ability to recognize and kill cancerous cells.

Etentamig is an experimental bispecific antibody being developed by Abbvie for people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and for those with relapsed or refractory disease. The therapy works by bringing immune T-cells into contact with myeloma cells, helping them recognize and destroy the cancerous cells.

GBR 1342 is an investigational antibody therapy being developed to to treat multiple myeloma patients who failed to respond to prior therapies. It is able to simultaneously bind to a T-cell surface protein called CD3 and to a B-cell surface protein called CD38. This process triggers the T-cell to mount an immune response against the cancerous B-cell. GBR1342 is being tested in an open-label Phase 1 trial, which is recruiting up to 125 previously treated multiple myeloma patients.

GMI-1271 is an E-selectin antagonist that is being investigated as a possible way to restore sensitivity to a commonly used chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. It blocks the site of E-selectin, a cell adhesion molecule that allows cancer cells to bind to one another. This moves cancer cells out of the protective function of the bone marrow, making them vulnerable to chemotherapy and proteasome inhibition therapy. A Phase 1/2 trial has been completed.

Iberdomide is an experimental oral therapy being developed by Bristol Myers Squibb for multiple myeloma. The therapy, taken as a daily capsule, is designed to facilitate the destruction of proteins that cancer cells use for survival.

Iopofosine I 131 is an experimental phospholipid drug conjugate being developed by Cellectar Biosciences for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Given by intravenous infusion, the therapy works by delivering a radioactive compound directly to myeloma cells.

Mezigdomide is an experimental oral therapy being developed by Bristol Myers Squibb for people with multiple myeloma. Administered via a once-daily pill, the therapy helps expedite the destruction of proteins that cancerous myeloma cells use to survive.

MOR202 is an experimental bispecific antibody for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone. MOR202 binds to CD38 on myeloma cells and also to natural killer (NK) cells. This brings NK cells in close proximity to, and helps in the destruction of, the myeloma cells. MOR202 is being tested in Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials for the treatment of myeloma.

TAK-079 is an experimental CD38 inhibitor that has high affinity for the CD38 protein found on myeloma cells. Binding of TAK-079 to CD38 triggers the programmed death of myeloma cells. TAK-079-bound myeloma cells also can be killed by other antibodies or complement proteins by phagocytosis. An open-label Phase 1/2a trial is testing TAK-079 administered subcutaneously as a single agent in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

TAK-169 is an engineered toxin body that functions as a CD38 inhibitor for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. TAK-169 is engineered to evade any immune response. Once bound to CD38, it gets internalized into the myeloma cells and targets the ribosome, blocking protein synthesis — leading to the death of the myeloma cell. TAK-169 is being tested in an open-label Phase 1 trial, which is currently recruiting.

Zevorcabtagene autoleucel, or zevor-cel, is an experimental CAR T-cell therapy being developed by Carsgen Therapeutics for people with multiple myeloma. The therapy is designed to help immune T-cells more efficiently target and kill cancer cells. It is given via a one-time intravenous infusion.

Zolinza (vorinostat) is an HDAC inhibitor approved for the treatment of T-cell lymphomas. Results from a Phase 2 trial showed that a combination of Zolinza and Velcade (bortezomib)  ay also benefit patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. A Phase 1 trial showed that adding Zolinza to Revlimid maintenance therapy after an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant improved transplant response and prolonged survival outcomes.