Cellectis, a leading biotech company, has made a strategic decision to deprioritize one of its leukemia-focused CAR-T candidates in order to concentrate its resources on two other promising clinical-stage therapies. This move reflects the company's commitment to optimizing its pipeline and ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients with hematological malignancies.

Unlocking the Potential of Allogeneic CAR-T Therapies

Prioritizing Promising CAR-T Candidates

Cellectis has been evaluating the CAR-T therapy UCART123 in a phase 1 study for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While the study has provided valuable insights into the role of CD123-targeted allogeneic CAR-T therapy in this challenging disease, the company has decided to deprioritize UCART123 in order to focus its resources on two other clinical-stage CAR-T therapies.The first of these is UCART22, an allogeneic CD22-targeting CAR-T therapy that is currently in a phase 1/2a trial for relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This therapy is expected to deliver key data readouts in the coming year, making it a high-priority focus for the company.The second is UCART20x22, a dual CD20 and CD22-targeting CAR-T therapy that is being evaluated in an early-stage study for relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Data from this study is also anticipated in 2025, when Cellectis will unveil its late-stage development strategy for this and other promising candidates.

Leveraging Strategic Collaborations

In addition to its internal pipeline, Cellectis has a number of strategic partnerships that are further bolstering its CAR-T capabilities. The company has a phase 2 trial underway for an anti-CD19 AlloCAR-T therapy licensed to Servier and Allogene for the treatment of large B-cell lymphoma.Moreover, Cellectis has a collaboration with AstraZeneca that is leveraging the biotech's gene editing and manufacturing expertise. This partnership has already resulted in the initiation of R&D work for an allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting hematological malignancies, another allogeneic CAR-T therapy for solid tumors, and an in vivo gene therapy for a genetic disorder.

Securing Funding for Continued Progress

Cellectis' strategic focus and collaborations have been supported by a strong financial position. The company ended September with 4 million in cash and equivalents, including 0 million from an equity investment by AstraZeneca as part of their collaboration. This funding is expected to sustain Cellectis' operations into 2027, providing the resources necessary to advance its promising CAR-T pipeline.

Driving Innovation in Cell and Gene Therapy

Cellectis' CEO, André Choulika, Ph.D., expressed the company's confidence in the continued progress of its ongoing clinical trials in hematological malignancies. He also highlighted the excitement surrounding the strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca, which is helping to drive the company's ambition in cell and gene therapy and bring potentially life-saving treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.As Cellectis navigates the complex landscape of CAR-T therapy development, its decision to deprioritize UCART123 in favor of its other promising candidates reflects a strategic and disciplined approach to optimizing its pipeline. With a strong financial foundation and a focus on advancing its allogeneic CAR-T therapies, the company is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the fight against hematological cancers.