Chimeric Therapeutics announces breakthrough AML response with CHM CORE-NK in Phase 1B trial

Chimeric Therapeutics has reported a significant milestone in its ongoing clinical trials, wherein a patient diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) has exhibited a complete response following treatment in the CHM CORE-NK + Vactosertib Phase 1b trial. This achievement marks a cancer treatment innovation, highlighting immunotherapy progress and a significant cell therapy milestone.

Chimeric Therapeutics, an Australian biotechnology enterprise at the forefront of cell therapy innovation, confirmed that the complete response was documented on Day 28 of the combination treatment. This trial represents a pivotal element in Chimeric’s broader initiative to leverage Natural Killer (NK) cell technology for the treatment of malignant diseases. The results suggest the potential to fulfill an unmet clinical need by providing a viable therapeutic alternative for patients afflicted with highly aggressive cancer phenotypes.

Remarkable Breakthrough in Phase 1B Trial

The announcement, made on 7 October 2024, detailed that the AML patient—classified as advanced in disease progression—responded favorably to the combination regimen involving CHM CORE-NK cells and Vactosertib, a TGF-β receptor inhibitor specifically designed to interfere with the cancer’s immune evasion mechanisms. According to Dr. Eva Selfridge, principal investigator of the study at UH Seidman Cancer Center in Ohio, the clinical trial is actively enrolling participants with advanced hematologic and colorectal malignancies. Preliminary data indicate both promising safety and efficacy, which may signal a broader utility for the combination therapy. The mechanistic underpinning of this approach involves augmenting the patient’s immune system by inhibiting immune checkpoint signals that often allow cancer to progress unchallenged. By incorporating Vactosertib with NK cells, the therapeutic strategy aims to enhance the cytotoxic activity of these immune cells, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes for resistant malignancies.

Expanding the Potential of NK Cells in Cancer Treatment

This Phase 1b trial represents a novel effort to evaluate the synergistic effects of NK cells in conjunction with Vactosertib, enhancing the NK cell-mediated immunological assault on neoplastic tissues, specifically in cases of advanced hematologic and colorectal cancers. The trial builds upon Chimeric’s earlier Phase 1a CORE-NK study, where disease control was demonstrated in all enrolled patients, including an AML patient who has sustained a complete response for over 48 months. By integrating Vactosertib, the current trial aims to inhibit the TGF-β pathway—a known mediator of immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment—thereby enhancing the anti-tumor activity of NK cells. This innovative approach could ultimately extend the therapeutic applicability of NK cell technologies beyond hematologic cancers to solid tumors that similarly exploit immune escape mechanisms.

Dr. Rebecca McQualter, Chief Operating Officer of Chimeric Therapeutics, remarked that the complete response observed in the AML patient underscores the considerable potential of the company’s NK cell platform. Dr. McQualter highlighted the operational efficiencies inherent in the platform, particularly its ability to produce hundreds of treatment doses from a single manufacturing cycle. This scalability is paramount for facilitating broad clinical application and meeting global demand for advanced cellular therapies. The encouraging data from this early-stage trial offers a potential foundation for a much-needed therapeutic modality, especially for patients who face severe limitations with current treatment regimens characterized by adverse effects and suboptimal efficacy.

Expert Opinion: A Turning Point for NK Cell Therapy?

An independent oncologist specializing in hematologic malignancies indicated that achieving a complete response at this stage of a Phase 1b trial is an exceptional occurrence. It was suggested that the observed response in the AML patient could herald a transformative moment for NK cell therapies, particularly given the “off-the-shelf” nature of the CORE-NK product, which contrasts markedly with the individualized approach of autologous CAR-T therapies. The absence of Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD), often a critical complication in allogeneic therapies, further highlights the safety profile of the CORE-NK product and underscores its potential for widespread clinical adoption. Contingent upon continued favorable outcomes in subsequent trial phases, this approach could expedite the integration of NK cell therapies into the mainstream oncological treatment paradigm, offering a less invasive and more accessible treatment for a variety of cancers. This transformative cell therapy represents an important step forward in immune modulation and oncological advancements, emphasizing the potential of NK cell technology to redefine cancer treatment strategies.

Chimeric’s Broader Cell Therapy Pipeline

Chimeric’s CORE-NK platform is part of an expansive portfolio that includes CAR T therapies designed to target both solid and hematologic malignancies. Currently, the company is advancing CHM CDH17 CAR T therapy in Phase 1/2 trials for gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine tumors, alongside CHM CLTX CAR T, which is being developed for glioblastoma. This diverse therapeutic pipeline illustrates Chimeric’s strategic commitment to innovating across a range of oncology indications. The emphasis on a multi-modal, adaptive approach positions Chimeric at the forefront of next-generation immunotherapies. Their ambition is to deliver therapeutic solutions across a broad cancer spectrum, ultimately establishing a leadership role in the rapidly evolving landscape of cell-based cancer immunotherapy.

The ongoing Phase 1b trial aims to enroll 12 patients, with the focus on colorectal cancer and relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies. The data generated will be instrumental in informing subsequent clinical phases and advancing the regulatory approval process for NK cell therapies. Chimeric’s leadership anticipates that the emerging evidence will substantiate the safety, durability, and clinical efficacy of NK cell therapy in achieving sustained remission for complex oncological cases. Successful outcomes from this trial could accelerate regulatory milestones, facilitating the transition of NK cell therapies from experimental stages to market-ready products, thereby providing new hope to patients with limited therapeutic options.

Current Stock Market Sentiment

Following the release of this data, Chimeric Therapeutics (ASX) experienced a modest uptick in its share price, reflecting investor optimism around the promising preliminary results from the Phase 1b trial. Market analysts have posited that investor confidence is being driven by the demonstration of NK cell viability as a promising modality for cancer treatment. The market’s positive response suggests broader acceptance of Chimeric’s innovative approach, with potential long-term growth driven by an expanding portfolio of oncology-focused cell therapies. With the oncology market projected to grow substantially over the next decade, Chimeric’s progress positions the company as a potentially key player in this high-value segment of biopharmaceuticals. The favorable market sentiment also underscores a broader industry recognition of cell therapies as a critical frontier in advancing cancer care, highlighting the stock market impact, increased investor confidence in biotech innovations, and growing interest in cell therapy investment.

A Look Ahead: The Next Steps for Chimeric

Chimeric intends to deliver continuous updates as more patients are recruited and additional data becomes available. The company aims to demonstrate that NK cells, in combination with Vactosertib, not only confer safety and persistence but also translate into meaningful clinical outcomes for patients with otherwise limited therapeutic alternatives. The ongoing trial is a critical endeavor to validate NK cell efficacy beyond early-phase settings, potentially establishing them as an integral component of cancer treatment. Future communications will also emphasize expanded patient demographics, diverse cancer indications, and scalability of their manufacturing platform, addressing both regulatory requirements and the broader healthcare community’s expectations.