ImmunityBio Submits Biologics License Application for N-803 Plus BCG for Patients with BCG-Unresponsive Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Carcinoma in Situ
ImmunityBio, Inc. has submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA for N-803, a first-in-class IL-15 superagonist, combined with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for treating BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The pivotal QUILT 3032 study showed a 71% response rate in previously untreated patients, outperforming existing therapies. If approved, this would introduce the first new immunotherapy for this condition in 23 years, potentially reducing the need for radical cystectomy.
- 71% response rate in patients with prior therapy failure.
- BLA submission supported by strong clinical trial data.
- First new immunotherapy for bladder cancer in 23 years.
- Potentially reduces radical cystectomy cases.
- None.
Results for this FDA-designated Breakthrough Therapy exceed historical complete response rates and duration of response of current approved therapies for this indication
The FDA previously granted N-803 Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations when used in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for the treatment of BCG-unresponsive NMIBC CIS. If approved by the FDA, N-803 plus BCG would be the first new immunotherapy for this indication in 23 years that can be delivered directly to the bladder (intravesically) to induce natural killer cells and T cells, providing a new treatment option for patients with this form of bladder cancer. The results of the pivotal Phase 2/3 clinical trial demonstrated the therapeutic combination gives patients a greater chance to avoid removal of the bladder itself—a surgical procedure referred to as radical cystectomy. This surgery is one of the last remaining options for many patients that do not respond to other therapies, but is costly to the healthcare system and comes with a high risk of mortality and complications that affect patient quality of life.
“This immunotherapy represents a potential new option for bladder cancer patients who fail to respond to BCG, the current standard of care. The results of the study of N-803 plus BCG indicate that this combination provides a durable response with a reduced need for a cystectomy,” said
The BLA submission for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC is based on data from 171 subjects from Phase I and 2 trials in bladder cancer and on 84 subjects treated in ImmunityBio’s Pivotal Phase 2/3 QUILT 3032 study of the combination of N-803 and BCG. The combination had a well-tolerated profile and the full results of this study will be presented at an oral presentation at the 2022
ImmunityBio’s IL-15 superagonist N-803 (Anktiva)
The cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) plays a crucial role in the immune system by affecting the development, maintenance, and function of the natural killer (NK) and T cells. N-803 is a novel IL-15 superagonist complex consisting of an IL-15 mutant (IL-15N72D) bound to an IL-15 receptor α/IgG1 Fc fusion protein. Its mechanism of action is direct specific stimulation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells through beta gamma T-cell receptor binding (not alpha) while avoiding T-reg stimulation. N-803 has improved pharmacokinetic properties, longer persistence in lymphoid tissues and enhanced anti-tumor activity compared to native, non-complexed IL-15 in vivo.
N-803 is currently being evaluated for adult patients in two clinical NMIBC trials. QUILT 2005 is investigating use of N-803 in combination with BCG for patients with BCG-naïve NMIBC; QUILT 3032 is studying N-803 in combination with BCG in patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC CIS and Papillary Disease.
Mechanism of Action & Contribution of N-803 and BCG for Bladder Cancer
Trained immunity is a recently discovered immune system response triggered by BCG. Natural Killer (NK) and T cells are activated by BCG resulting in bladder cancer cell death. When an appropriate secondary stimulus is administered along with BCG, that trained immune response is enhanced to induce immune memory resulting in a prolonged duration of immunological response. N-803, an IL-15 superagonist which proliferates NK and T cells, serves as this enhancing secondary boost and augments the immunological response when given in combination with BCG.
About
ImmunityBio’s clinical pipeline consists of 27 clinical trials—18 of which are in Phase 2 or 3 development—across 13 indications in liquid and solid tumors (including bladder, pancreatic, and lung cancers) and infectious diseases (including SARS-CoV-2 and HIV). Anktiva™, ImmunityBio’s lead cytokine fusion protein, is a novel interleukin-15 (IL-15) superagonist complex and has received Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track Designations from the
The company has established GMP manufacturing capacity at scale with cutting-edge cell manufacturing expertise and ready-to-scale facilities, as well as extensive and seasoned R&D, clinical trial, and regulatory operations, and development teams. For more information, please visit: www.immunitybio.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements regarding ImmunityBio’s submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) for N-803 plus BCG for patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer carcinoma in situ with or without Ta or T1 disease, the FDA’s decision regarding the filing of the BLA, regulatory review process and timing thereof, potential implications to be drawn from the QUILT 3.032 study, whether the proposed mechanism of action described herein contributes to response rate and duration, potential commercialization of ImmunityBio’s product candidates, ImmunityBio’s product candidates as compared to existing treatment options, and clinical trial enrollment, advancements and data, among others. Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are considered forward-looking statements, which are usually identified by the use of words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “indicate,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” and variations of such words or similar expressions. Statements of past performance, efforts, or results of our preclinical and clinical trials, about which inferences or assumptions may be made, can also be forward-looking statements and are not indicative of future performance or results. Forward-looking statements are neither forecasts, promises nor guarantees, and are based on the current beliefs of ImmunityBio’s management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to
- Sources: Balar, 2021; Steinberg 2000
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