Vyriad Begins Mayo Clinic CAR-T Phase 1 for Multiple Myeloma
Up to 40 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma may enroll to test an approach designed to generate engineered T cells inside the body.
Key Points
- Vyriad has started recruiting for a Phase 1 Mayo Clinic trial of VV169 in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
- The study may enroll up to 40 patients to test an in vivo CAR-T approach designed to generate engineered T cells inside the body.
- The FDA has accepted VV169 as an investigational new drug, allowing the trial to move forward.
Vyriad has begun recruiting patients for a Phase 1 clinical trial of VV169, its in vivo CAR-T therapy candidate for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The study is being conducted at Mayo Clinic and may enroll up to 40 patients.
The FDA recently accepted VV169 as an investigational new drug, clearing the way for the trial. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that affects plasma cells.
Standard chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is typically made outside the body. A patient’s cells are collected, genetically modified with a viral vector, expanded in the lab, and then infused back into the patient. Vyriad’s approach is designed to generate those engineered T cells inside the body instead.
“This reflects years of sustained effort from investigators, study staff, and the R&D and manufacturing teams here in Rochester,” Luke Russell, president of Vyriad, said in a news release.
“VV169 is designed to create CAR-T cells directly inside the body, offering a new way of delivering this powerful therapeutic approach to patients with multiple myeloma,” Russell said.
The trial’s principal investigator is Dr. Yi Lin, the Jess S. Jackson Family professor of cancer research at Mayo Clinic.
“We are grateful to everyone who made it happen, and to the patients who choose to take part,” Russell said.
Trial Focus
The Phase 1 study is expected to focus on the early clinical assessment of VV169 in patients whose disease has relapsed or not responded to prior treatment. Based on the company’s description, the trial is centered on testing an approach that could simplify how CAR-T therapy is delivered by avoiding the usual ex vivo manufacturing process.
Company Background
Earlier this year, Vyriad secured a $25 million investment from Stine Seed Farms to support its work. Vyriad and its sister company, Imanis Life Sciences, share laboratory space at the Rochester Technology Campus.
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