Autolus Therapeutics Provides Business Updates and 2025 Overview

Rhea-AI Summary

Autolus Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AUTL) has provided significant business updates and an overview of its 2025 milestones. The company is actively progressing with the commercial launch of AUCATZYL® (obecabtagene autoleucel or 'obe-cel'), with 24 treatment centers fully authorized as of January 10th, 2025, and plans to reach 30 centers by the end of January 2025 and 60 by the end of the year.

Notably, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN) has included AUCATZYL® in its Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for treating adult patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL). This endorsement follows FDA approval on November 8, 2024, and publication of the FELIX trial data in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Autolus plans to expand its clinical development program into autoimmune diseases, with initial data from the CARLYSLE Phase 1 trial in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) expected in Q1 2025. The company will provide further updates at an R&D investor event on April 23, 2025, in New York City.

Marketing authorization submissions for obe-cel are under regulatory review in the European Union and the United Kingdom, with potential approvals expected in the second half of 2025. Other anticipated milestones include initial data from the PY01 trial in pediatric ALL and a Phase 1 SLE trial presentation at a medical conference in H2 2025.

Positive

• FDA approval of AUCATZYL® on November 8, 2024.
• Inclusion of AUCATZYL® in NCCN Guidelines®.
• 24 treatment centers fully authorized as of January 10th, 2025, with plans to reach 60 by the end of the year.
• Expansion into autoimmune diseases with initial data from CARLYSLE Phase 1 trial expected in Q1 2025.
• Potential marketing approvals from EMA and MHRA in the second half of 2025.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Oncology Market Analyst

The commercial rollout of AUCATZYL® is progressing efficiently, with 24 treatment centers already authorized - representing 80% of the Q1 2025 target of 30 centers. The planned expansion to 60 centers by year-end would cover approximately 90% of the target patient population, indicating strong market penetration potential.

The NCCN Guidelines inclusion is particularly noteworthy as it occurs just two months post-FDA approval. The absence of a REMS program requirement significantly reduces administrative burden for treatment centers, potentially accelerating adoption rates compared to competing CAR-T therapies. This positions AUCATZYL® favorably in the r/r B-ALL market segment.

The pending EU and UK regulatory decisions in H2 2025 could substantially expand the addressable market. European approval would provide access to an additional significant patient population, especially considering the established reimbursement pathways for CAR-T therapies in key markets like Germany and France.

Clinical Research Analyst

The expansion into autoimmune diseases, particularly Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), represents a strategic pivot that could significantly broaden AUCATZYL®'s market potential. SLE affects approximately 1.5 million Americans, presenting a substantially larger target population than B-ALL.

The planned data presentation from the CARLYSLE Phase 1 trial in Q1 2025 will be important in validating obe-cel's potential in autoimmune conditions. Success in SLE could establish a precedent for CAR-T therapy in autoimmune diseases, opening an entirely new therapeutic category beyond oncology. The scheduled medical conference presentation in H2 2025 suggests confidence in the preliminary data.

The pediatric ALL trial (PY01) data expected in H2 2025 could further expand the addressable patient population, as pediatric ALL represents approximately 60% of all ALL cases.

Financial Analyst

With a market cap of $628M, Autolus is well-positioned for significant growth potential. The rapid treatment center authorization pace suggests strong commercial execution, which is important for revenue generation in the competitive CAR-T market. The target of 60 centers by year-end represents an optimal balance between market coverage and operational efficiency.

The dual-track strategy of expanding both geographically (EU/UK markets) and therapeutically (autoimmune diseases) provides multiple growth vectors. The SLE market opportunity could potentially exceed the current ALL market by several multiples, representing a substantial value creation opportunity if the clinical data proves positive.

The company's focus on strategic R&D investment following their portfolio review indicates disciplined capital allocation, which is important for maintaining financial sustainability while pursuing growth opportunities.

- Ongoing commercial launch of AUCATZYL^® on track, with 24 treatment centers fully authorized as of January 10^th

- National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® adds AUCATZYL^® to its Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines^®)

- Company to provide clinical development program updates, including plans for expansion into autoimmune disease, at April 23^rd R&D investor event

LONDON, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autolus Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: AUTL), a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company developing, manufacturing and delivering next-generation T cell therapies to patients, today announces business updates and an overview of 2025 milestones.

"We enter 2025 with good momentum following the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of AUCATZYL^® (obecabtagene autoleucel, or “obe-cel”) and publication of the FELIX trial data in the New England Journal of Medicine. In addition, the inclusion of AUCATZYL^® in the NCCN Guidelines, noting the lack of REMS program associated with our therapy, provides further validation of the demonstrated clinical benefit, favorable safety profile and the potential impact of the therapy for patients in need,” said Dr. Christian Itin, Chief Executive Officer of Autolus. “We are executing to plan with the commercial launch and are encouraged to enter the year with 24 authorized treatment centers out of the 30 we anticipated by end of Q1.”

“With the AUCATZYL^® launch on track, we look forward to updating the market on additional clinical pipeline programs that we believe will drive future growth,” Dr. Itin continued. “In the second half of 2024, we undertook an R&D portfolio review to evaluate the highest priority areas for strategic investment. In our upcoming R&D investor event we will provide an outlook and plan to share initial data from the ongoing CARLYSLE Phase 1 trial in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).”

AUCATZYL^® was approved by the FDA on November 8, 2024. Autolus expects to complete authorization of the first 30 treatment centers, covering approximately 60% of the identified target patient population, by the end of January 2025. The Company expects to complete authorization of 60 treatment centers, covering approximately 90% of the target patient population, by the end of 2025.

In December 2024, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN) added AUCATZYL^® (obecabtagene autoleucel) to its Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines^®) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL). The NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 30 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. The NCCN Guidelines are a comprehensive set of guidelines detailing the sequential management decisions and interventions that currently apply to 97% of cancers affecting patients in the U.S and are intended to ensure that all patients receive preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services that reflect the latest evidence in oncological patient care.

Obe-cel is also under regulatory review in both the European Union and the United Kingdom, with marketing authorization submissions accepted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in April 2024, and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in August 2024. Assuming precedent regulatory timelines, Autolus expects potential marketing approvals from the MHRA and EMA in the second half of 2025.  

2025 Events & Milestones

Obe-cel in autoimmune disease: initial data from SLE Phase 1 study	Q1 2025
R&D Investor Event, New York City	April 23, 2025
Initial data from PY01 trial of obe-cel in pediatric ALL	H2 2025
MHRA & EMA approvals for obe-cel in ALL	H2 2025
SLE Phase 1 trial presentation at medical conference	H2 2025

Additional details regarding the R&D investor event, including registration link, will be communicated in the near future.

About Autolus Therapeutics plc
Autolus Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: AUTL) is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company developing, manufacturing and delivering next-generation T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease. Using a broad suite of proprietary and modular T cell programming technologies, Autolus is engineering precisely targeted, controlled and highly active T cell therapies that are designed to better recognize target cells, break down their defense mechanisms and eliminate these cells. Autolus has an FDA approved product, AUCATZYL, and a pipeline of product candidates in development for the treatment of hematological malignancies, solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. For more information, please visit www.autolus.com

About AUCATZYL^® (obecabtagene autoleucel, obe-cel, AUTO1)
AUCATZYL is a B-lymphocyte antigen CD19 (CD19) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy designed to overcome the limitations in clinical activity and safety compared to current CD19 CAR T cell therapies. AUCATZYL is designed with a fast target binding off-rate to minimize excessive activation of the programmed T cells. AUCATZYL was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia on November 16, 2024. In the EU a regulatory submission to the EMA was accepted in April 2024, while in the UK, an MAA was submitted to MHRA in July 2024.

INDICATION

AUCATZYL^® is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) occurred in patients receiving AUCATZYL. Do not administer AUCATZYL to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Prior to administering AUCATZYL, ensure that healthcare providers have immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage CRS. Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving AUCATZYL, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic signs and symptoms after treatment with AUCATZYL. Prior to administering AUCATZYL, ensure that healthcare providers have immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage neurologic toxicities. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids, as needed. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) occurred following treatment with AUCATZYL. CRS was reported in 75% (75/100) of patients including Grade 3 CRS in 3% of patients. The median time to onset of CRS was 8 days following the first infusion (range: 1 to 23 days) with a median duration of 5 days (range: 1 to 21 days). The most common manifestations of CRS included fever (100%), hypotension (35%), and hypoxia (19%).

Prior to administering AUCATZYL, ensure that healthcare providers have immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage CRS. During and following treatment with AUCATZYL, closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS daily for at least 14 days at the healthcare facility following the first infusion. Continue to monitor patients for CRS for at least 4 weeks following each infusion with AUCATZYL. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate the patient for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care based on severity and consider further management per current practice guidelines.

Neurologic Toxicities
Neurologic toxicities including Immune Effector Cell-associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which were fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with AUCATZYL. Neurologic toxicities were reported in 64% (64/100) of patients, including Grade ≥ 3 in 12% of patients. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 10 days (range: 1 to 246 days) with a median duration of 13 days (range: 1 to 904 days). Among patients with neurologic toxicities, the most common symptoms (> 5%) included ICANS (38%), headache (34%), encephalopathy (33%), dizziness (22%), tremor (13%), anxiety (9%), insomnia (9%), and delirium (8%).

Immune Effector Cell-associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS)
ICANS events occurred in 24% (24/100) of patients, including Grade ≥ 3 in 7% (7/100) of patients. Of the 24 patients who experienced ICANS, 33% (8/24) experienced an onset after the first infusion, but prior to the second infusion of AUCATZYL.

The median time to onset for ICANS events after the first infusion was 8 days (range: 1 to 10 days) and 6.5 days (range: 2 to 22 days) after the second infusion, with a median duration of 8.5 days (range: 1 to 53 days).

Eighty-eight percent (21/24) of patients received treatment for ICANS. All treated patients received high-dose corticosteroids and 42% (10/24) of patients received anti-epileptics prophylactically. Prior to administering AUCATZYL, ensure that healthcare providers have immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage ICANS.

Counsel patients to seek medical attention should signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicity/ ICANS occur. At the first sign of Neurologic Toxicity /ICANS, immediately evaluate patients for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care based on severity and consider further management per current practice guidelines.

Effect on Ability to Drive and Use Machines
Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving AUCATZYL are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the eight weeks following AUCATZYL infusion or until resolution of the neurological event by the treating physician. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.

Prolonged Cytopenias
Patients may exhibit cytopenias including anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia for several weeks after treatment with lymphodepleting chemotherapy and AUCATZYL. In patients who were responders to AUCATZYL, Grade ≥ 3 cytopenias that persisted beyond Day 30 following AUCATZYL infusion were observed in 71% (29/41) of patients and included neutropenia (66%, 27/41) and thrombocytopenia (54%, 22/41). Grade 3 or higher cytopenias that persisted beyond Day 60 following AUCATZYL infusion was observed in 27% (11/41) of patients and included neutropenia (17%, 7/41) and thrombocytopenia (15%, 6/41). Monitor blood counts after AUCATZYL infusion.

Infections
Severe, including life-threatening and fatal infections occurred in patients after AUCATZYL infusion. Non-COVID-19 infections of all grades occurred in 67% (67/100) of patients. Grade 3 or higher non-COVID-19 infections occurred in 41% (41/100) of patients. AUCATZYL should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after AUCATZYL infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Grade 3 or higher febrile neutropenia was observed in 26% (26/100) of patients after AUCATZYL infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

Viral reactivation, potentially severe or life-threatening, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells. There is no experience with manufacturing AUCATZYL for patients with a positive test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or with active hepatitis B virus (HBV) or active hepatitis C virus (HCV). Perform screening for HBV, HCV and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

Hypogammaglobulinemia
Hypogammaglobulinemia and B-cell aplasia can occur in patients after AUCATZYL infusion. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported in 10% (10/100) of patients treated with AUCATZYL including Grade 3 events in 2 patients (2%).

Immunoglobulin levels should be monitored after treatment with AUCATZYL and managed per institutional guidelines including infection precautions, antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement.

The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following treatment with AUCATZYL has not been studied. Vaccination with live viral vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy treatment, during AUCATZYL treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with AUCATZYL.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS)
HLH/MAS including fatal and life-threatening reactions occurred after treatment with AUCATZYL. HLH/MAS was reported in 2% (2/100) of patients and included Grade 3 and Grade 4 events with a time of onset at Day 22 and Day 41, respectively. One patient experienced a concurrent ICANS events after AUCATZYL infusion and died due to sepsis with ongoing HLH/MAS that had not resolved. Administer treatment for HLH/MAS according to institutional standards.

Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an excipient used in AUCATZYL. Observe patients for hypersensitivity reactions during and after AUCATZYL infusion.

Secondary Malignancies Patients treated with AUCATZYL may develop secondary malignancies. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes. Monitor lifelong for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Autolus at 1-855-288-5227 for reporting and to obtain instructions on the collection of patient samples for testing.

Adverse Reactions
The safety of AUCATZYL was evaluated in the FELIX study in which 100 patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) received AUCATZYL at a median dose of 410 × 10⁶ CD19 CAR-positive viable T cells (range: 10 to 480 × 10⁶ CD19 CAR-positive viable T cells with 90% of patients receiving the recommended dose of 410 × 10⁶ +/- 25%).

The most common serious adverse reactions of any Grade (incidence ≥ 2%) included infections-pathogen unspecified, febrile neutropenia, ICANS, CRS, fever, bacterial infectious disorders, encephalopathy, fungal infections, hemorrhage, respiratory failure, hypotension, ascites, HLH/MAS, thrombosis and hypoxia. Nine patients (9%) experienced fatal adverse reactions which included infections (sepsis, pneumonia, peritonitis), ascites, pulmonary embolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome, HLH/MAS and ICANS. Of the 9 patients, five patients who died from infections had pre-existing and ongoing neutropenia prior to receiving bridging therapy, lymphodepletion chemotherapy treatment and/or AUCATZYL.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, and in some cases can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "could," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," and "believes." These statements include, but are not limited to: statements regarding the market and therapeutic potential of for AUCATZYL for adult r/r B-ALL; Autolus’ development and commercialization of its product candidates; the expected clinical benefits of AUCATZYL; Autolus’ manufacturing, sales and marketing plans for AUCATZYL, including expectations regarding the timing of commercial launch in the United States and the ability to reach patients in a timely manner; the amount and timing of milestone payments under Autolus’ collaboration and license agreements; and future development plans of AUCATZYL, including the timing or likelihood of expansion into additional markets or geographies and related regulatory approvals. Any forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: Autolus’ ability to maintain regulatory approval of AUCATZYL; its ability to execute its commercialization strategy for AUCATZYL; its ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize its other product candidates and the timing or likelihood of expansion of AUCATZYL into additional markets or geographies; Autolus’ ability to establish and expand a commercial infrastructure and to successfully launch, market and sell AUCATZYL; actions of regulatory agencies, which may affect the initiation, timing and progress of clinical trials or future regulatory approval; the labelling for AUCATZYL/obe-cel in any future indication or patient population, if approved; the potential for payors to delay, limit or deny coverage for AUCATZYL; Autolus’ ability to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property protection for AUCATZYL or any product candidates it is developing; the results of clinical trials are not always being predictive of future results; the cost, timing and results of clinical trials; that many product candidates do not become approved drugs on a timely or cost effective basis or at all; the ability to enroll patients in clinical trials; and possible safety and efficacy concerns. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause Autolus’ actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the section titled "Risk Factors" in Autolus' Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on March 21, 2024 as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Autolus' subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Autolus undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing Autolus’ views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. 

Contact:

Amanda Cray
+1 617-967-0207
a.cray@autolus.com

Olivia Manser
+44 (0) 7780 471 568
o.manser@autolus.com

FAQ

What is the significance of AUCATZYL®'s approval for AUTL shareholders?

The FDA approval of AUCATZYL® on November 8, 2024, validates its clinical benefits and safety profile, potentially boosting AUTL's market position and stock value.

How many treatment centers are authorized for AUCATZYL® as of January 2025?

As of January 10th, 2025, 24 treatment centers are fully authorized, with plans to reach 30 by the end of January and 60 by the end of the year.

What impact does the inclusion in NCCN Guidelines® have on AUCATZYL®?

Inclusion in the NCCN Guidelines® enhances the credibility and adoption of AUCATZYL® for treating r/r B-ALL, potentially increasing its market reach.

When will Autolus provide updates on its clinical development program?

Autolus will provide updates at an R&D investor event on April 23, 2025, in New York City.

What are the expected regulatory milestones for AUCATZYL® in 2025?

Autolus expects potential marketing approvals from the EMA and MHRA in the second half of 2025.

What new data is expected from Autolus in 2025?

Initial data from the CARLYSLE Phase 1 trial in SLE is expected in Q1 2025 and from the PY01 trial in pediatric ALL in H2 2025.

What is the target patient coverage for AUCATZYL® by the end of 2025?

Autolus aims to cover approximately 90% of the target patient population with 60 treatment centers by the end of 2025.