Mustang Bio Announces Vision for CAR T-Cell Therapy Platform Expansion into Autoimmune Diseases

Planning for proof-of concept Phase 1 investigator-sponsored clinical trial evaluating MB-106 CD20-targeted CAR T-cell therapy in autoimmune diseases is underway and expected to initiate in the fourth quarter of 2024

MB-106 data in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) provide a strong foundation for future development in autoimmune disease; pivotal trial for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is expected to initiate in the second half of 2024

WORCESTER, Mass., March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mustang Bio, Inc. (“Mustang”) (Nasdaq: MBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on translating today’s medical breakthroughs in cell and gene therapies into potential cures for difficult-to-treat cancers and rare genetic diseases, today announced its expansion into autoimmune diseases with MB-106, a personalized CD20-targeted, 3rd-generation autologous CAR T-cell therapy. MB-106 is being developed in a collaboration between Mustang and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (“Fred Hutch”). Mustang and Fred Hutch are in preliminary discussions to explore a potential Phase 1 investigator-sponsored clinical trial to evaluate MB-106 for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

“Mustang is leveraging its expertise in developing cell therapies to explore a new frontier in patient care,” said Manuel Litchman, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Mustang. “MB-106’s observed safety profile, encouraging efficacy data, and our robust manufacturing capabilities have the potential to translate to improved outcomes for patients with autoimmune diseases. We believe an investigator-sponsored clinical trial is the fastest and most cost-effective way to embark on this program and aim to enroll the first patient in a Phase 1 trial in the fourth quarter of this year to demonstrate clinical proof-of-concept. We are in discussions with Fred Hutch to determine the autoimmune indication(s) we plan to pursue in the first trial and look forward to sharing more details in the near future.”

This expansion is supported by promising scientific evidence. Several antibody therapies targeting CD20 on B-cells have successfully transitioned from cancer to autoimmune diseases, such as rituximab for both lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, clinical studies with CAR-T therapies have already demonstrated early success in the treatment of autoimmune conditions, with published reports showing remission in patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases.