On January 10, 2022 Celyad Oncology SA (Euronext & Nasdaq: CYAD), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapies for cancer, reported a 2021 year-end review and provided an outlook for 2022 (Press release, Celyad, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598515]).

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Filippo Petti, Chief Executive Officer of Celyad Oncology, said, "Our clinical development team has continued to deliver a steady stream of data across multiple programs throughout 2021 that advanced our position as a leader in the field of allogeneic CAR T cell therapies. Singlehandedly, the validation of our proprietary shRNA platform this past year represented an incredible achievement for the Company as we continued to strategically transform the organization to a fully allogeneic CAR T platform Company. The power and versatility of our shRNA platform, including the ability to multiplex and modulate the levels of gene expression, continues to support its strength, value, and potential differentiation within the allogenic cell therapy landscape. We believe our non-gene edited technologies are well-positioned to drive a major impact on the CAR T industry as the approach that does not have the risks associated with gene-editing technologies, including the potential for translocation adverse events."

"Our leading clinical CAR T assets, novel shRNA platform and foundational intellectual property within the allogeneic landscape has attracted widespread industry attention including most recently from Fortress Investment Group, which invested $32.5 million into the Company. We believe our cutting-edge research in the allogeneic CAR T field supported by clinical data presented at multiple medical conferences over the past year and combined with these broader resources place us on an accelerated path towards developing the therapeutic benefit of our extensive set of technologies. This is an exciting time at Celyad Oncology and we look forward to building upon our recent accomplishments throughout 2022 and beyond," concluded Mr. Petti.

2021 Business Highlights

Dosed first patient in KEYNOTE-B79 Phase 1b trial (NCT04991948), which will evaluate the TCR Inhibitory Molecule (TIM)-based allogeneic NKG2D CAR T cell investigational therapy CYAD-101 with MSD’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with microsatellite stable (MSS) / mismatch-repair proficient disease
Data from the dose-escalation segment of the IMMUNICY-1 Phase 1 trial (NCT04613557) evaluating the allogeneic shRNA-based anti-BCMA CAR T candidate CYAD-211 in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM) showed evidence of clinical activity with a good tolerability profile including no evidence of Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD). In addition, all patients in trial had detectable CYAD-211 cells in the peripheral blood
Research & Development Day in July showcased the Company’s current pipeline of allogeneic CAR T programs and shRNA-based preclinical concepts while also introducing CYAD-203 – an allogeneic shRNA-based interleukin-18 (IL-18)-armored NKG2D CAR T candidate
Presented clinical results from the CYCLE-1 Phase 1 trial (NCT04167696) evaluating the next-generation, autologous NKG2D receptor CAR T candidate CYAD-02. Data from the study showed that a single shRNA can target two independent genes (MICA/MICB) to enhance the phenotype of the CAR T cells – a differentiated approach among currently available gene-expression control technologies
Bolstered balance sheet with $32.5 million private placement with an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group. The Company believes its existing cash and cash equivalents combined with access to the equity purchase agreement established with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC should be sufficient to fund operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first half of 2023
Program Update and Anticipated Milestones for 2022

Following the dose-escalation segment of the IMMUNICY-1 Phase 1 trial for CYAD-211, the next segment of the study will evaluate enhanced lymphodepleting regimens with the aim to improve cell persistence and potentially maximize the clinical benefit of the anti-BCMA CAR T candidate. The IMMUNICY-1 protocol also allows for CYAD-211 redosing in certain patients. Enrollment in the cohorts evaluating enhanced lymphodepletion is ongoing and additional data from the CYAD-211 IMMUNICY-1 trial are expected in mid-2022
Enrollment continues in the KEYNOTE-B79 Phase 1b trial for CYAD-101. Preliminary data from the trial are expected in the second half of 2022
In addition, the KEYNOTE-B79 study will be the subject of a presentation at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Gastrointestinal Cancers (ASCO GI) Symposium being held from January 20-22, 2022
Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies continue for CYAD-203. Submission of the IND application for CYAD-203 is expected in the second half of 2022