Carisma Presents Positive Pre-Clinical Data on Anti-GPC3 CAR-M Therapy for Liver Cancer

New findings highlight the promising potential of in vivo CAR-M technology as a viable, ready-to-use treatment solution for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 8, 2024 – Carisma Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker CARM, is advancing the field of innovative immunotherapies. Recently, the company announced encouraging pre-clinical results for its anti-GPC3 in vivo chimeric antigen receptor macrophage and monocyte (CAR-M) therapy developed in partnership with Moderna Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNA). This therapy aims to combat hepatocellular carcinoma by harnessing the body's own immune cells.

The pre-clinical studies revealed that the therapy effectively targets and eliminates cancer cells expressing Glypican-3 (GPC3). By directly generating CAR-M within the body, the treatment reprograms native myeloid cells to attack and destroy GPC3-expressing tumor cells. The results demonstrated that this innovative therapy exhibits a high level of specificity for the GPC3 tumor antigen, leading to strong, dose-responsive cytotoxic effects against GPC3+ cancer cells. Moreover, upon engaging with the antigen, the CAR-M cells produced pro-inflammatory cytokines and transformed into an activated, inflammatory macrophage state.

Animal models, including both syngeneic and humanized tumor models, were utilized in the study. Systemic administration of the anti-GPC3 CAR mRNA/LNP significantly diminished tumor size and hindered metastasis to the liver, showcasing the treatment's potential efficacy. Importantly, the therapy was well tolerated in mouse models, adding to its promise as an off-the-shelf solution for treating GPC3+ solid tumors, including HCC.

Dr. Michael Klichinsky, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Carisma, expressed enthusiasm about the results. He stated, "We have demonstrated the potential to generate anti-GPC3 CAR-M cells directly in vivo using mRNA/LNP technology, achieving significant tumor reduction in relevant pre-clinical models. This novel approach offers a promising new strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma, and we are keen to move it forward into clinical development."

Similarly, Dr. Lin Guey, Chief Scientific Officer of Therapeutic Research Ventures at Moderna, highlighted the successful application of their mRNA/LNP platform in enabling in vivo cell therapy. He said, "These preclinical results emphasize the potential of our mRNA/LNP platform in developing in vivo cell therapies. We are excited to advance the anti-GPC3 in vivo CAR-M therapy for HCC patients and continue our collaboration with Carisma to provide innovative treatments for patients with solid tumors."

Carisma Therapeutics is at the forefront of utilizing its unique macrophage and monocyte cell engineering platform to create transformative immunotherapies. The company's approach focuses on engineered macrophages and monocytes, critical components of the immune system's innate and adaptive responses. Based in Philadelphia, Carisma aims to address cancer and other serious diseases with its cutting-edge technology.