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BACKGROUND: G protein-coupled receptor, family C, group 5, member D (GPRC5D) is an orphan receptor expressed in malignant plasma cells. Talquetamab, a bispecific antibody against CD3 and GPRC5D, redirects T cells to mediate killing of GPRC5D-expressing myeloma cells. METHODS: In a phase 1 study, we evaluated talquetamab administered intravenously weekly or every other week (in doses from 0.5 to 180 μg per kilogram of body weight) or subcutaneously weekly, every other week, or monthly (5 to 1600 μg per kilogram) in patients who had heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma that had progressed with established therapies (a median of six previous lines of therapy) or who could not receive these therapies without unacceptable side effects. The primary end points - the frequency and type of dose-limiting toxic effects (study part 1 only), adverse events, and laboratory abnormalities - were assessed in order to select the recommended doses for a phase 2 study. RESULTS: At the data-cutoff date, 232 patients had received talquetamab (102 intravenously and 130 subcutaneously). At the two subcutaneous doses recommended for a phase 2 study (405 μg per kilogram weekly [30 patients] and 800 μg per kilogram every other week [44 patients]), common adverse events were cytokine release syndrome (in 77% and 80% of the patients, respectively), skin-related events (in 67% and 70%), and dysgeusia (in 63% and 57%); all but one cytokine release syndrome event were of grade 1 or 2. One dose-limiting toxic effect of grade 3 rash was reported in a patient who had received talquetamab at the 800-μg dose level. At median follow-ups of 11.7 months (in patients who had received talquetamab at the 405-μg dose level) and 4.2 months (in those who had received it at the 800-μg dose level), the percentages of patients with a response were 70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51 to 85) and 64% (95% CI, 48 to 78), respectively. The median duration of response was 10.2 months and 7.8 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine release syndrome, skin-related events, and dysgeusia were common with talquetamab treatment but were primarily low-grade. Talquetamab induced a substantial response among patients with heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. (Funded by Janssen Research and Development; MonumenTAL-1 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03399799.).

Supplementary Methods, Figures 1-3, Tables 1-6 from Epigenetic Silencing of the Tumor Suppressor MicroRNA Hsa-miR-124a Regulates CDK6 Expression and Confers a Poor Prognosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Adoptive cell therapy with BCMA-directed autologous CAR-T cells has shown very encouraging results in end-stage relapse and refractory multiple myeloma (MM), with overall response rates ranging between 73% and 96.9%, complete response (CR) rates between 33% and 67.9%, and MRD negativity in 50–74% of patients in the two largest phase 2 studies of ide-cel (idecabtagene autoleucel, KarMMa) and cilta-cel (ciltacabtagene autoleucel, CARTITUDE 1) reported thus far (Madduri et al. 2020; Munshi et al. 2021). Unfortunately, responses are usually not maintained, and no plateau has yet been seen in the survival curves. The median progression-free survival (PFS) in the KarMMa study of ide-cel was 8.8 months (95% CI, 5.6–11.6) among all 128 patients infused, increased to 12.1 months (95% CI, 8.8–12.3) among patients receiving the highest dose (450 × 106 CAR + T cells) and increased to 20.2 months (95% CI, 12.3–NE) among those achieving a CR. In the CARTITUDE-1 study, with a median follow-up of 12.4 months, the median PFS has not yet been reached, and the 12-month PFS rate was 76.6% (95% CI; 66.0–84.3). The absence of a clear plateau in PFS differs from what has been observed in DLBCL or B-ALL with currently approved CD-19-directed CAR-T cells, where (albeit with a shorter PFS and lower rates of CR) patients remaining free from relapse beyond 6 months are likely to enjoy prolonged disease control or even be cured.

8006 Background: Elranatamab (PF-06863135) is a humanized bispecific antibody that targets both BCMA-expressing MM cells and CD3-expressing T cells. MagnetisMM-3 (NCT04649359) is an open-label, multicenter, non-randomized, phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of elranatamab monotherapy in pts with R/R MM. Initial safety results are presented. Methods: MagnetisMM-3 enrolled pts who are refractory to at least 1 proteasome inhibitor, 1 immunomodulatory drug, and 1 anti-CD38 antibody. Pts were assigned to 1 of 2 independent, parallel cohorts: those naïve to BCMA-directed therapies (Cohort A) and those with previous exposure to BCMA-directed antibody-drug conjugates or CAR-T cells (Cohort B). Pts received subcutaneous elranatamab 76 mg QW on a 28-d cycle with a 2-step-up priming dose regimen administered during the first week. Dose modifications were permitted for toxicity. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were graded by CTCAE (v5.0), and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) by ASTCT criteria. Results: As of the data cutoff on Dec 31, 2021, 60 pts in Cohort A had received ≥1 dose of elranatamab; the last pt’s first dose was ̃2 months prior to the cutoff. Median age was 69.0 y (range, 44−89), 48.3% were male, 63.3% were white, 18.3% were Asian and 11.7% were Black/African American. At baseline, 60.0% of pts had an ECOG performance status 1−2 and pts had received a median of 5 (range, 2−12) prior therapies. Median duration of elranatamab treatment was 9.57 wks (range, 0.1−46.1); median relative dose intensity was 87.4% (range, 23.1−101.4). TEAEs were reported in 100% (Grade [G] 3/4, 75.0%) of pts. Most common (≥30%) hematologic TEAEs were neutropenia (36.7% [G3/4, 35.0%]), anemia (36.7% [G3/4, 30.0%]) and thrombocytopenia (30.0% [G3/4, 21.7%]). Among pts who received the 2-step-up priming regimen (n = 56), CRS and ICANS, respectively, were reported in 58.9% (G3/4, 0%) and 3.6% (G3/4: 0%); of those pts, 57.6% (n = 19/33) and 100% (n = 2/2) received tocilizumab and/or steroids. Most common (≥30%) non-hematologic TEAE, other than CRS/ICANS, was fatigue (31.7% [G3/4, 3.3%]). Infections were reported in 46.7% (G3/4: 18.3%) of pts; most frequently reported were upper respiratory tract infections (11.7% [G3/4: 0%]). Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported in 5.0% of pts. No pts permanently discontinued treatment due to CRS or ICANS. There were 10 deaths; causes were MM progression (n = 8), septic shock (n = 1) and unknown (n = 1). Data will be updated at the time of presentation to include ̃90 pts. Conclusions: Preliminary results of MagnetisMM-3 in pts with R/R MM and no prior BCMA-targeted treatment suggest that 76 mg QW elranatamab with a 2-step-up priming regimen is well tolerated, with no G ≥3 CRS or ICANS observed. Clinical trial information: NCT04649359.

8032 Background: Teclistamab (tec; JNJ-64007957) is a BCMA × CD3 T-cell redirecting bispecific antibody under investigation in patients (pts) with RRMM. Daratumumab (dara) is a CD38 mAb with direct on-tumor and immunomodulatory actions. Initial clinical data from the phase 1b multicohort TRIMM-2 study support the combination of tec + dara for the treatment of RRMM, with tolerable safety, no overlapping toxicities, and promising efficacy. We present updated results with additional pts and longer follow-up. Methods: Eligible MM pts aged ≥18 y had received ≥3 prior lines of therapy (LOT; including a proteosome inhibitor [PI] and immunomodulatory drug [IMiD]) or were double-refractory to a PI and IMiD. Pts treated with anti-CD38 therapy ≤90 d prior were excluded. Pts received dara SC 1800 mg per approved schedule and tec SC 1.5–3 mg/kg QW or Q2W. Primary objectives were to identify the recommended phase 2 dose of tec for combination therapy and evaluate safety of the combination. Responses were assessed by IMWG criteria. AEs were graded per CTCAE v5.0; cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were graded per ASTCT guidelines. Results: At data cutoff (Jan 13, 2022; safety population: N=46), median follow-up was 7.2 mo (range 0.1–16.6; median age 67 y [range 50–79]; 52% female). Pts received a median of 6 prior LOT (range 2–17; 74% triple-class exposed; 63% penta-drug exposed; 15% anti-BCMA exposed). 91% of pts had ≥1 AE (grade 3/4 78%), most commonly CRS (61%; all grade 1/2; median time to onset 2 d; median duration 2 d), neutropenia (54%; grade 3/4 50%), anemia (46%; grade 3/4 28%), thrombocytopenia (33%; grade 3/4 28%), and diarrhea (33%; grade 3/4 2%). Infections occurred in 29 pts (63%; grade 3/4 28%). One pt had grade 1 ICANS that fully resolved. Among 37 response-evaluable pts, ORR was 78% (29/37); 27 pts (73%) had very good partial response (VGPR) or better (Table). Median time to first response across dosing cohorts was 1.0 mo (range 0.9–2.8); median duration of response was not reached. Upregulation of CD38+/CD8+ T cells and proinflammatory cytokines was observed with tec + dara, supporting potential synergy of the combination in pts with prior anti-CD38 exposure. Updated results will be presented. Conclusions: Tec + dara provides a novel immunotherapy approach for the treatment of RRMM that may yield improved clinical efficacy in heavily pretreated pts. Clinical trial information: NCT04108195. [Table: see text]

2577 Background: LAVA-051 is a 27kD humanized bispecific single domain antibody (VHH) that directly engages CD1d and the Vδ2-TCR chain of Vγ9Vδ2-T cells and additionally stabilizes the interaction between CD1d and type 1 NKT cells (Nature Cancer 2020;1:1054-1065) to mediate potent killing of CD1d-expressing tumor cells. By engaging innate-like T cell subsets with inherent antitumor activity, namely Vγ9Vδ2-T and type 1 NKT cells, LAVA-051 has the potential to combine high therapeutic efficacy with limited off-tumor toxicity. CD1d is expressed by tumor cells in the majority of patients with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and MM (multiple myeloma), while expression in AML (acute myeloid leukemia) is most pronounced on (myelo)monocytic subtypes. Tolerability studies in non-human primates with cross-reactive surrogate bispecific γδ-T cell engagers showed a good safety profile without signs of CRS (cytokine release syndrome). Methods: This is an open label, accelerated titration design, phase 1/2a study in patients with relapsed/ refractory CLL, MM, and AML (NCT04887259). The phase 1 study starts with single-patient cohorts for the first 3 dose levels followed by a 3+3 design. The primary objectives of the study are to investigate the safety and tolerability of LAVA-051 and to determine its recommended Phase 2a dose (RP2D). Secondary objectives of the study include evaluation of PK, PD, immunogenicity, and preliminary antitumor activity. The (flat) starting dose was determined to be 0.45 µg. LAVA-051 is administered by IV infusion over 2 hours twice a week. Results: As of Feb 14, 2022, a dose level of 45 µg has been reached with no reports of CRS (ASTCT grading) or dose limiting toxicities (DLTs). Six patients in total have been treated with LAVA-051; 4 patients (2 MM, 2 CLL) were evaluable for DLTs during cycle 1 at dose levels 0.45 µg, 3 µg, 15 µg and 45 µg. Treatment emergent AEs (TEAEs) (CTCAEv5.0) were predominantly of grade 1 and 2 severity (e.g. fever, chills, and headache). One patient (45 µg) reported a grade 2 infusion related reaction (IRR) that lasted less than 12 hours following the first administration only. Frequency and severity of TEAEs did not increase with escalating doses and all TEAEs were reversible. One patient with CLL developed symptoms consistent with a tumor flare reaction during cycle 1, and continues on cycle 5 of treatment with stable disease at 15 µg. PK data indicate increasing drug exposure in correlation with increasing doses of LAVA-051, and PD data indicate a dose-dependent increase in LAVA-051 receptor occupancy of the Vγ9Vδ2-T cell receptor. Importantly, no consistent or significant changes in measured cytokines have been observed. Updated results will be presented at the congress. Conclusions: LAVA-051 has been well tolerated early in dose escalation with on-mechanism pharmacodynamics consistent with Vγ9Vδ2-T cell engagement. Clinical trial information: NCT04887259.

8015 Background: G protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), which has limited expression in normal human tissue but is highly expressed on malignant plasma cells, is a promising target for multiple myeloma (MM) immunotherapy. Talquetamab (JNJ-64407564) is a first-in-class, bispecific IgG4 antibody that binds to both GPRC5D and CD3 receptors, mediating T-cell–activated lysis of GPRC5D+ MM cells. Here we report updated results with additional patients (pts) and longer follow-up from MonumenTAL-1, a phase 1 trial of talquetamab in RRMM (NCT03399799). Methods: Eligible pts had RRMM or were intolerant to standard therapies; prior B-cell maturation antigen-directed therapies were permitted. The primary objectives were to identify the recommended phase 2 doses (RP2Ds) (part 1) and assess talquetamab safety and tolerability at the RP2Ds (part 2). Collective safety, efficacy, PK, and PD data supported 2 RP2Ds for talquetamab: 405 μg/kg SC QW (n = 30) and 800 μg/kg SC Q2W (n = 44). Step-up dosing was used to mitigate against severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS); required premedications were limited to step-up doses and the first full dose of talquetamab. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by CTCAE v4.03 with CRS events graded per Lee et al 2014 criteria. Investigators assessed responses per International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Results: As of Jan 17, 2022, pts in the 405 μg/kg/800 μg/kg groups, respectively, received a median of 6 /5 prior lines of therapy, 100%/98% were triple-class (TC) exposed, 77%/75% were TC refractory. Median follow-up (range) was 11.7 (1.0–21.2)/4.2 (0.7–13.7) months. Most AEs were grade 1 or 2. The most common AEs were cytopenias and CRS. Cytopenias (including neutropenia [67%/36%; grade 3/4: 53%/23%]) were reversible, mostly confined to step-up and cycle 1–2 doses, and generally resolved within 1 week. Infections occurred in 47%/34% (grade 3/4: 7%/9%) of pts. CRS (77%/80%; grade 3: 3%/0%) mostly occurred during step-up dosing. Skin-related and nail disorder AEs occurred in 83%/75% of pts (most commonly skin exfoliation: 37%/39% [all grade 1 and 2]). Dysgeusia (63%/57%) was generally mild and managed with dose adjustments. The overall response rates in response-evaluable pts were 70% (21/30 pts)/64% (28/44 pts); very good partial response or better rate: 57%/52%; median time to first confirmed response (range): 0.9 (0.2–3.8)/1.2 (0.3–6.8) months. Median duration of response will be reported. No pts died due to drug-related AEs. The PK and PD profiles of both RP2Ds appear comparable. Conclusions: These data show that both RP2Ds of talquetamab have comparable safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic profiles and confirm talquetamab as a novel, first-in-class therapy with highly promising efficacy in a heavily pretreated RRMM pt population. Clinical trial information: NCT03399799.