Calidi Biotherapeutics and City of Hope Update on Phase 1 Trial of CLD-101 Virotherapy for Recurrent High-Grade Glioma

Calidi Biotherapeutics, Inc., based in San Diego, and the esteemed City of Hope in Los Angeles have announced promising advancements in their collaborative phase 1 clinical trial. This trial focuses on Calidi's experimental CLD-101 treatment, a neural stem cell-based oncolytic virotherapy administered directly into the brain. The main objective is to assess the safety and potential therapeutic effects of multiple doses in tackling recurrent high-grade glioma. Gliomas are notoriously aggressive brain tumors, making this research particularly significant.

City of Hope is spearheading this physician-sponsored trial, recognized for its National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The trial investigates the safety and practicality of delivering up to four weekly intracerebral doses of CLD-101. So far, 14 patients have participated, showing favorable tolerance to the treatment regimen. The trial is actively recruiting for the highest treatment level, and notable progress is observed in cohort 4, according to Dr. Jana Portnow, co-director of City of Hope’s Brain Tumor Program and principal investigator of the study.

The trial is also accessible at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Stanford University Hospitals, both prominent institutions in cancer research. Dr. Karen Aboody, a professor at City of Hope’s Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Neurosurgery, has been pivotal in developing this therapy alongside Dr. Portnow. Their joint efforts received a $12 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to propel this innovative study forward.

Allan Camaisa, CEO and Chairman of Calidi, emphasized the commitment to enhancing cancer patient outcomes using stem cell technology to deliver virotherapy directly to tumor sites. He highlighted the synergy between their systemic virus platform and the ongoing development of a product portfolio aimed at addressing glioblastoma, solid tumors, and metastatic cancer.

Calidi acquired rights to the technology from the University of Chicago, City of Hope, and the University of Alabama. Both City of Hope and Dr. Aboody have financial stakes in the technology, and Dr. Aboody also serves as a paid advisory board member for Calidi.

Calidi Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in San Diego. It specializes in immuno-oncology with proprietary technology that enhances the immune system’s capacity to combat cancer. Their platform employs allogeneic stem cells to carry oncolytic viruses, targeting various cancers like high-grade gliomas and solid tumors. Calidi’s approach is designed to protect, amplify, and potentiate viral therapy, potentially improving efficacy and safety for patients. Additionally, their preclinical enveloped virotherapy targets widespread solid tumors, offering a potential treatment or prevention for metastatic disease.

City of Hope, headquartered in Los Angeles, has been at the forefront of cancer and diabetes research since its inception in 1913. It is renowned for its innovative cancer treatments and has played a pivotal role in developing breakthrough medicines, synthetic insulin, and monoclonal antibodies. City of Hope combines cancer care, research, academics, and philanthropy, driving its mission to transform hope into reality for those affected by cancer and diabetes. Its expansive network includes facilities across Southern California, with new additions in Orange County and treatment centers in Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix. City of Hope’s affiliates include the Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope.