China-based CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Ltd (HKG: 2171) has announced a collaboration agreement with US mRNA giant Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA). The partnership aims to investigate the use of CARsgen’s investigational Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell product candidate, CT041, in combination with Moderna’s investigational CLDN18.2 mRNA cancer vaccine.
Combining Innovative Cancer Treatments: CT041 and mRNA Vaccine
CT041 (satricabtagene autoleucel) is CARsgen’s autologous CAR T-cell product that is being investigated for the potential treatment of gastric, pancreatic, and other specified digestive system cancers. This therapeutic approach is currently the subject of multiple ongoing clinical studies in China and North America, showcasing its potential in addressing complex cancer cases.
Moderna’s mRNA Cancer Vaccine Development
Moderna is developing an investigational off-the-shelf mRNA cancer vaccine that encodes for the CLDN18.2 protein, a tumor-associated antigen. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by leveraging the body’s immune system to target and attack cancer cells.
Collaboration Plan and Preclinical Studies
Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, the partnership will initiate with preclinical studies to assess the combined effects of CT041 and Moderna’s CLDN18.2 mRNA cancer vaccine. Following the preclinical phase, the collaboration will progress to a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combined therapy.-Fineline Info & Tech
