Affimed's AFM28 Preclinical Data Abstract Accepted for EHA 2024

Affimed N.V., a Mannheim, Germany-based clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, has recently shared new preclinical data on its innate cell engager (ICE®) AFM28. This data was presented at the annual congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA), held in Madrid, Spain, from June 13 to 16, 2024. The findings indicate that AFM28, which targets CD123-positive cancer cells, shows promising anti-tumor activity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatments.

The research highlights AFM28's ability to control tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner in an in vivo mouse model of AML. As the dose of AFM28 increased, there was a notable improvement in the median lifespan of the treated mice compared to untreated controls.

In collaboration with Dr. Hind Medyouf’s team at the Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, researchers also evaluated AFM28 using a newly engineered ex vivo Human Organotypic Marrow Environment (HOME) model. This model aims to mimic the human bone marrow environment more accurately by including key immune suppressive components such as mesenchymal niche cells. The combination of AFM28 with allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells led to a significant reduction in CD123-expressing AML patient-derived leukemic blasts and stem cells.

Dr. Wolfgang Fischer, Chief Operating Officer of Affimed, emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that the observed anti-leukemic activity in both in vivo and in vitro settings is highly encouraging. Fischer also pointed out that these results, combined with a previously demonstrated safety profile in cynomolgus monkeys, suggest AFM28’s potential to effectively and safely eradicate residual disease in AML patients.

AFM28 is a tetravalent, bispecific CD123- and CD16A-binding innate cell engager (ICE®). It works by engaging NK cells to kill tumor cells via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, even at low levels of CD123 expression. Currently, AFM28 is undergoing clinical development as a monotherapy for AML (NCT05817058), and its combination with an allogeneic off-the-shelf NK cell product is being explored.

Affimed N.V. is dedicated to harnessing the innate immune system to fight cancer. Their ICE® molecules, designed on the company’s proprietary ROCK® platform, aim to target and destroy various hematologic and solid tumors. Affimed’s clinical pipeline includes multiple ICE® candidates being studied both as monotherapies and in combination therapies.

Affimed's leadership, which consists of experienced biotechnology and pharmaceutical professionals, is driven by a commitment to prevent cancer from disrupting patients' lives. The company's research and development efforts are centered on unlocking the potential of the innate immune system to develop effective cancer treatments.

In summary, Affimed's recent preclinical findings on AFM28 highlight its promising role in AML treatment by demonstrating significant tumor growth control and reduction of leukemic blasts and stem cells. As clinical development progresses, AFM28 holds potential for becoming a safe and effective therapy for patients with AML.