Affimed's Combination Therapy Shows High Efficacy in Lymphoma

Impressive Results from Affimed’s Study on Acimtamig

In a significant breakthrough for patients battling relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R cHL), recent clinical trial results revealed that Affimed N.V. showcased an impressive overall response rate of 86% and a complete response rate of 55% in a study involving 22 heavily pretreated participants. These patients had exhausted other treatment options, highlighting the necessity for innovative therapies. The safety profile of the combination therapy, which pairs acimtamig (AFM13) with Artiva Biotherapeutics’ allogeneic NK cell therapy, AlloNK, was well-managed and free of unexpected safety signals.

Study Overview and Participant Profile

The clinical trial presented was part of the LuminICE-203 (AFM13-203) phase 2 open-label multicenter study, focusing on the combination of acimtamig and AlloNK. All participants in the trial had undergone a median of five previous therapies, ranging from chemotherapy to PD(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors, and many had also experienced stem cell transplants. Remarkably, during the study, there were no recorded incidents of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), ensuring the treatment was both effective and safe.

Comments from Affimed's Leadership

Dr. Andreas Harstrick, the Chief Medical Officer of Affimed, expressed his enthusiasm about these findings, describing them as a beacon of hope for a patient group that currently lacks established treatment options. He stated, 'To see more than 50% of patients achieving a complete response is extremely encouraging and showcases the promising potential the combination of acimtamig and AlloNK holds for refractory patients.' This multi-center study spanned 10 sites across the U.S., ensuring a broad representation of the cHL patient community.

Link to Previous Research

These positive results align well with data from an earlier investigator-led study, AFM13-104, which explored the administration of acimtamig together with NK cells sourced from umbilical cord blood. This aspect further validates the combination therapy’s effectiveness and sheds light on its potential as a leading option in treatment regimens targeted at R/R cHL patients.

Acimtamig - What Sets It Apart

Acimtamig (AFM13) represents an innovative class of treatments termed innate cell engagers (ICE®). This drug specifically targets CD30-positive hematologic tumors and activates the innate immune system to selectively eradicate these cancer cells. By bridging natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages to the tumor, acimtamig plays a critical role in enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

The Role of LuminICE-203 in Future Treatments

The ongoing LuminICE-203 study is pivotal, evaluating acimtamig in combination with AlloNK specifically in populations suffering from relapsed and refractory CD30-positive conditions. This trial builds on the strong efficacy data observed in the AFM13-104 study, and its success could redefine treatment strategies for the challenging lymphoma landscape.

About Affimed N.V.

Affimed (Nasdaq: AFMD) is steadfast in its mission to empower patients in their fight against cancer by tapping into the body’s innate immune capabilities. With a focus on developing ICE® molecules, the company leverages its proprietary ROCK® platform to generate innovative therapies aimed at targeting various hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The commitment to innovative immuno-oncology solutions reflects its ambition to transform cancer treatment paradigms globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the response rates in the Affimed trial?

The trial reported an overall response rate of 86% and a complete response rate of 55% in patients.

What is acimtamig?

Acimtamig (AFM13) is an innovative drug designed to activate the innate immune system to target and destroy CD30-positive cancer cells.

What is AlloNK?

AlloNK is an allogeneic NK cell therapy developed by Artiva Biotherapeutics, designed to work in conjunction with acimtamig.

How safe was the combination treatment?

The treatment showed a well-managed safety profile with no unexpected safety signals reported.

Where can I find more information about Affimed?

For more information about the company and its pipeline, please visit their website.

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