Synthetic Promoter Backs EsoBiotec's ESO-T01 CAR-T Therapy in Clinic

In a significant development in the field of gene therapy, Chromatin Bioscience, a biotechnology company based in Edinburgh, UK, announced its ongoing collaboration with EsoBiotec. This partnership marks a milestone with the advancement of ESO-T01, the first in vivo B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR-T candidate, into clinical trials. This candidate utilizes a state-of-the-art synthetic promoter, crafted through Chromatin Bioscience’s proprietary platform, chromatinLENS, specifically for EsoBiotec’s innovative immunotherapy strategies.

ESO-T01, developed by EsoBiotec using its advanced ENaBL platform, is a lentiviral vector targeting T cells. It expresses a BCMA-targeted CAR construct aimed at the treatment of multiple myeloma. The regulation of this construct is achieved via a Treg-specific synthetic promoter, a result of the collaboration with Chromatin Bioscience. Initial studies have showcased highly effective in vivo transduction, with the BCMA CAR transgene being expressed specifically in T cells. This expression led to the creation of a substantial population of BCMA CAR-T cells, which showed persistence throughout the study. These promising results underscore the long-term efficacy and durability of the engineered T cells, representing a significant milestone for this therapeutic approach.

Jean-Pierre Latere, Ph.D., CEO of EsoBiotec, emphasized the importance of this development, noting that ESO-T01 is the first in vivo BCMA CAR-T candidate to reach clinical stages. This achievement highlights the potential of their ENaBL platform technology, which reprograms immune cells in the body to fight cancer. He pointed out that while multiple myeloma has existing treatments, including ex vivo CAR-T options, they often come with severe side effects, manufacturing constraints, logistical challenges, and high costs. The collaboration with Chromatin Bioscience aims to integrate the innovative synthetic promoter, potentially enhancing both the safety and efficacy of ESO-T01.

The chromatinLENS platform by Chromatin Bioscience plays a crucial role by identifying highly specific, cell-type selective gene regulatory elements from the dark genome. This technology is instrumental in minimizing off-target effects while ensuring robust and durable therapeutic efficacy. Such promoters are vital for the success of advanced therapies like ESO-T01, where targeted expression in T cells is critical for treatment safety and efficacy.

Michael Roberts, CEO and Founder of Chromatin Bioscience, expressed enthusiasm about EsoBiotec's progress to the clinical stage, describing it as an exciting development in gene therapy. He highlighted the role of synthetic promoters in providing precision and durability in gene expression. Chromatin Bioscience is proud to contribute to the success of ESO-T01 through this collaboration, which exemplifies the potential of combining advanced gene therapy with targeted gene expression technologies. This partnership seeks to offer new treatment options for patients.

Chromatin Bioscience specializes in designing and developing synthetic promoters for gene and cell therapies. Their innovative platform allows for precise, cell-type selective, and durable gene expression, advancing the next generation of gene therapies. These synthetic promoters have been integral in developing therapies across various diseases, enhancing both safety and efficacy.

EsoBiotec, a privately held biotechnology company, focuses on in vivo engineering of T-cells and other immune cells to create affordable, off-the-shelf therapeutics. Utilizing its Engineered NanoBody Lentiviral (ENaBL) platform, EsoBiotec aims to deliver cutting-edge cell therapies, maximizing accessibility to transformative cancer care. Currently, an Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trial is evaluating ESO-T01 for treating multiple myeloma. EsoBiotec’s pipeline also includes two first-in-class combination candidates, ESO-TX101 and ESO-TX102, intended to remodel the tumor microenvironment in treating solid tumors.