CAR-T Therapies Disappoint in Solid Tumors, Shares of Juno and Kite Drop

Strategic Insights -

Patients with advanced cancers may have a limited option for CAR-T cellular therapies in solid tumors after a recent study revealed disappointing results. The study, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and Novartis, used CAR-T therapies to target mesothelin, a protein found on some solid-tumor cancers. Although the therapy was administered safely, it showed little efficacy or longevity. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting reported the data, which did not come as a surprise to experts but disappointed investors. As a result, shares of Juno Therapeutics and Kite Pharma dropped 6% and 7% respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CAR-T therapy tested at the AACR meeting, known as CART-meso, was developed by the University of Pennsylvania and Novartis.
  • The therapy targeted mesothelin, a protein expressed on the surface of certain tumors.
  • The phase I study involved five patients with advanced cancers, including ovarian, epithelial mesothelioma, and pancreatic cancer.
  • The modified T cells were administered safely but showed little efficacy or longevity.
  • Juno Therapeutics and Kite Pharma, which also have solid-tumor CAR-Ts in development, saw their shares drop 6% and 7% respectively.
  • Ziopharm Oncology and Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, two other CAR-T stocks, were also trading lower.
  • The study's results were presented at the AACR annual meeting, which was closely watched by the cancer research community.

Statistics:

  • 5 patients participated in the phase I study.
  • The study involved two patients with ovarian cancer, two with epithelial mesothelioma, and one with pancreatic cancer.
  • The shares of Juno Therapeutics dropped 6% to $60.70.
  • The shares of Kite Pharmaceuticals dropped 7% to $60.79.

Sources:

  • "Immune Cell Cancer Immunotherapy Passes First Safety Test in Solid Tumors"

(http://www.thestreet.com/story/13116254/1/immune-cell-cancer-immunotherapy-passes-first-safety-test-in-solid-tumors.html)

  • "Using Re-Engineered Immune Cells to Kill Leukemia Induces Lasting Remissions"

(http://www.thestreet.com/story/12976337/1/using-re-engineered-immune-cells-to-kill-leukemia-induces-lasting-remissions.html)