Janssen Biotech, partner to develop CAR T-cell therapies

Horsham-based Janssen Biotech, Inc., one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, recently entered into a worldwide collaboration and license agreement with Cellular Biomedicine Group (CBMG) to develop, manufacture and commercialize chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for the treatment of B-cell malignancies.

B-cell malignancies are a type of cancer that arises from a type of immune system cell. In 2020, more than 259,000 people died from the disease.

In Phase 1 studies in China, the investigational CD20-directed autologous CAR-Ts demonstrated complete response rates in patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The majority of the participants had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common type of aggressive lymphoma and approximately one-third of B-cell lymphomas globally.

DLBCL is characterized by the uncontrolled rapid growth of a type of immune cells called lymphocytes. Up to half of patients require additional treatment options.

CD20 is an antigen found on the surface of the cells. The company’s bispecific CAR-T therapy received U.S. Food and Drug Administration Investigational New Drug clearance and the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy and Fast Track designation. A Phase 1b study is underway in the United States.

The deal is expected to close before the third quarter and is subject to customary closing conditions.