On September 28, 2017 bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE), a clinical-stage company committed to developing potentially transformative gene therapies for serious genetic diseases and T cell-based immunotherapies for cancer, reported the treatment of the first patient with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in a Phase 1 study of bb21217 (Press release, bluebird bio, SEP 28, 2017, View Source [SID1234520679]). bb21217 is an investigational chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA). bluebird bio is developing bb21217 in collaboration with Celgene Corporation. bluebird bio also announced today that Celgene has exercised its option to exclusively license bb21217, under the terms of the collaboration between the two companies.
“bb21217, bluebird’s second oncology program to enter the clinic, complements bb2121, which has demonstrated encouraging safety and efficacy results in an ongoing Phase 1 trial. With bb21217, we manufacture a CAR T cell product enriched for ‘memory T cells’ – a long-lived, more potent T cell subtype – which in preclinical in vivo studies has shown improved anti-tumor activity,” said Philip Gregory, chief scientific officer, bluebird bio. “While the clinical data we have shared to date from our bb2121 program have shown deep and durable responses, we know that multiple myeloma is an aggressive and historically incurable cancer. With our partners at Celgene, we are excited to bring forward a second program reflecting our commitment to exploring all avenues to deliver cutting edge therapies to patients.”
“The advancement of bb21217 into the clinic builds upon the success of our first-generation program and is one more testament to bluebird’s and Celgene’s combined leadership in the field of anti-BCMA CAR T therapies,” said Rupert Vessey, EVP and President, Global Research & Early Development, Celgene. “We look forward to our continued partnership with bluebird to unleash the full potential of anti-BCMA CAR T therapies for patients living with historically incurable cancers.”
The bluebird bio and Celgene collaboration focuses on developing product candidates targeting BCMA for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. By exercising its exclusive option under the terms of the collaboration, Celgene will be responsible for worldwide development and commercialization of bb21217 after Phase 1. bluebird bio is responsible for the development of bb21217 through the completion of the CRB-402 Phase 1 study and has an option to share in the development, promotion and profits in the United States. bluebird bio will receive a $15 million option exercise payment from Celgene, and bluebird bio is also eligible to receive specified development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments and royalty payments on net sales.
About the CRB-402 Study
The primary objective of the CRB-402 study is to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose of bb21217 and determine the recommended Phase 2 dose. The secondary objective is preliminary efficacy data, measured using the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Response Criteria for Multiple Myeloma. The first portion of the study includes a dose-escalation phase in which cohorts of patients will receive ascending doses of bb21217 to determine the maximum tolerated dose and establish a recommended Phase 2 dose. The second portion of the study is a dose expansion phase where patients will receive bb21217 to further evaluate the safety, tolerability and clinical activity at the recommended Phase 2 dose.