HBV specific TCR redirected T-cell therapy (Lion TCR)

Lion TCR Pte Ltd today announced that it has received Fast Track Designation from United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for LioCyx-M004, autologous T-cells transfected with mRNA encoding Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) specific TCR, for the treatment of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC). This Fast Track Designation provides Lion TCR with an expedited path towards the regulatory approval for its leading investigational product, LioCyx-M004, which is being developed as a potential first-in-class drug for HBV-related HCC. This designation was granted based on that the efficacy of LioCyx-M004, as demonstrated by an improvement in the overall survival in patients with HBsAg-positive HCC relapsed or refractory to prior systemic treatment. The FDA Fast Track Designation is designed for sponsors to gain access to expedited drug approval, via eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review, for medical conditions that are serious and potentially life-threatening, and where there is an unmet medical need through early and frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss drug development plans[1]. The purpose is to get important new drugs to the patient earlier. In earlier phase 1 study, LioCyx-M004 has showed the well-tolerated safety pro promising prolonged overall survival. In September 2021, FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) Clearance for a Phase 1b/2 multi-center study has been obtained[2]. This is the first ongoing clinical trial that uses HBV-specific TCR T cell therapy to target HBV-related HCC. "HBV-related HCC occurs in over 420,000 people every year worldwide and majority of advanced HCC patients relapse quickly after initial treatment. However, existing treatments are very limited especially on improving overall survival. We believe that our innovative TCR-T therapy can fill this urgent and important unmet medical needs. With this Fast Track designation, we look forward to having more frequent communication with the Agency in the hope to attain a more expedited drug approval for our product for patient access. Efforts for patient recruitment for the Phase 1b/2 study in the U.S. and Asia are underway." said Dr Tina Tingting Wang, COO and CMO of Lion TCR. "The field of T-cell therapy is highly dynamic and competitive. Innovative therapies are released faster than ever through expediated programs like Fast Track. Together with our Orphan Drug Designation obtained for the use of HBV-specific TCR T cell therapy in HCC, we believe this Fast Track approval can drive forward the accelerated regulatory approval our proprietary first-in-class TCR T cell therapy." said Dr Peng Xiaoming, CEO of Lion TCR. References U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fast Track. About Lion TCR Pte Ltd Lion TCR is a clinical-stage biotech company specialized in the development and commercialisation of its proprietary engineered T Cell Receptor (TCR) products against infectious disease and its associated cancers. As global leader in HBV-specific TCR redirected T cell therapy against HCC, the company is a biotech spin-off from Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and has global exclusive licenses of the technologies from A*STAR. Lion TCR has developed various TCR technology platforms including the TCR discovery as well as the autologous and allergenic TCR that incorporate gene editing. About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. About Lead Product LioCyx-M004 LioCyx-M, including several well-established product derivatives, are autologous T cells modified to express HBV-specific TCR. These modified T cells have been shown to be able to lyse HBV-infected HCC cells upon target recognition in in-vivo pre-clinical studies and in patients.

SINGAPORE and Guangzhou, China and LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lion TCR Pte Ltd, a clinical-stage biotech company specialized in T Cell Receptor (TCR) T cell therapy today announced that it has received clearance from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for LioCyx-M004, autologous T-cells transfected with mRNA encoding Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) specific TCR. Lion TCR intends to initiate a Phase 1b/2 multi-center study for its lead investigational product, LioCyx-M004, for patients with advanced Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This will be the first Phase 1b/2 study that uses specific T cell receptor (TCR)-T cell therapy to target HBV-related HCC. In 2020, there are more than 900,000 new cases with liver cancer worldwide, of which 90% been hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In Asia, HBV is an important inducer of HCC, for example, 80% - 90% of HCC is related to HBV infection in China. The use of LioCyx-M004 has been tested in Phase 1 study in primary HBV-related HCC. LioCyx-M004 infusions were well-tolerated with no occurrence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) nor neurotoxicity. Disease control rate was 60% and partial response (PR) as per RECIST 1.1 was observed with a duration of response of 27.7 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 33.1 months. The upcoming study aims to evaluate LioCyx-M004 as a monotherapy treatment and the safety and efficacy of LioCyx-M004 in combination with lenvatinib. Considering lenvatinib as a well-established first-line treatment for advanced HCC and its potential to revert the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment towards an immune-supportive profile, the combination of lenvatinib and LioCyx-M004 treatment is expected to further improve clinical outcome. "LioCyx-M004, with its unique mechanism of action and its excellent safety pro radiological tumor response, has the potential to become a first-in-class TCR T cell therapy for HCC. We also have a strong scientific rationale for the use of our TCR-T therapy in combination with other therapies to extend its effectiveness. We are proud of our significant progress in recent years and look forward to initiating the Phase 1b/2 study in the upcoming weeks for the benefits of HCC patient refractory or relapsed to current systemic treatment. Patient recruitment for this study will begin at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in United States, a leading research and treatment center for cancer," said Dr Tina Tingting Wang, COO and CMO of Lion TCR. "This Phase 1b/2 IND clearance is a very important milestone for Lion TCR! We will continue our dedication to be the world leading biotech company using cutting-edge TCR-T immunotherapy to provide innovative therapeutic options for patients in need. Lion TCR has developed various TCR-T technology platform including TCR discovery platform, autologous and allogeneic TCR platform incorporating with gene editing technologies. With the potential of our revolutionary TCR-T cell immunotherapy, we aim to be the pioneer company for benchmarking in the field of liver cancer treatment," said Dr Peng Xiaoming, Managing Director & CEO of Lion TCR. About Lion TCR Pte Ltd Lion TCR is a clinical-stage T cell immunotherapy company specialized in the development and commercialisation of its proprietary technologic and engineered T cell products against viral-related cancers. As the world leader in HBV specific TCR redirected T cell therapy against HCC, the company has global exclusive licenses of the technologies from Singapore A*STAR. Lion TCR has developed various TCR-T technology platform including TCR discovery platform, autologous and allergenic TCR platform incorporating with gene editing technologies. About Lead Product LioCyx-M004 LioCyx-M, including several well-established product derivatives, are autologous T cells modified to express HBV-specific TCR. These modified T cells have been shown to be able to lyse HBV-infected HCC cells upon target recognition in in-vivo pre-clinical studies and in patients. Lion TCR contact Global contact Dr Regina Wong Manager, Business Development Email: regina.wong@liontcr.com Great China contact Dr Zhou Yi Associate Director, Strategy & Business Development Phone: +86 15994719201 Email: zhouyi@liontcr.com