HaemaLogiX Ltd., a clinical stage biotech company, has entered into a co-development agreement with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to conduct the first in human Phase I trial of HaemaLogiX’s CAR-T immunotherapy, KMA.CAR-T, for kappa-type multiple myeloma.

HaemaLogiX brings its KappaMab technology to the collaboration and Peter Mac will develop the technology, method of manufacturing, and conduct the trial.

KMA.CAR-T is a novel immunotherapy that targets a receptor called Kappa Myeloma Antigen (KMA) found only on the surface of myeloma cells in kappa-type multiple myeloma patients and not on normal immune cells, which means normal immune cells are not damaged by the treatment.

HaemaLogiX and Peter Mac Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy will continue to co-develop KMA.CAR-T. Preclinical data shows the anti-KMA CAR-T cells selectively killed KMA-expressing myeloma cell lines and demonstrated potent anti-myeloma activity in a xenograft mouse model.

Rosanne Dunn, HaemaLogiX Director| Chief Scientific Officer and Founder, said: “CAR-T cell therapy is now a realistic option for myeloma patients who have failed standard of care treatments. We’re excited to progress KMA.CAR-T to the clinic in collaboration with Peter Mac, a renowned Australian cancer hospital and research institute that has been involved in the development of many of the CAR-T therapies now approved as treatments.”

Simon Harrison, Director of the Peter Mac Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy, said: “CAR-T cell therapy is a game-changer in the treatment of certain blood cancers, such as multiple myeloma. We are delighted to continue our project with HaemaLogiX to translate the preclinical potential of KMA.CAR-T into a novel first-in-human clinical trial therapy.”