Friday, June 23, 2023
Jasper Therapeutics, a biotechnology company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol JSPR, has announced the commencement of a Phase 1 trial for their novel antibody therapy, briquilimab. The trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of briquilimab as a second-line treatment for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS) patients. This announcement follows the dosing of the first patient in the trial.
According to Ronald Martell, President and CEO of Jasper Therapeutics, initiating this trial is a significant milestone in the development program for briquilimab. He expresses excitement about exploring the potential of briquilimab as a treatment option for LR-MDS, highlighting the company's commitment to improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with rare and chronic diseases involving mast and stem cells.
The Phase 1 trial will be conducted at Moffitt Cancer Center, with Dr. Jeffery Lancet, Chair of the Department of Malignant Hematology, leading the study. The primary objective of the trial is to assess the safety and tolerability of briquilimab as a chronic therapeutic in second-line treatment for LR-MDS. The trial will utilize a 3+3 dose escalation design to determine the maximum tolerated dose or optimal biologic dose of briquilimab. It is expected to enroll up to 30 patients with documented cytopenia, such as red blood cell transfusion dependence, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia. Patients will receive briquilimab every 56 days for four consecutive cycles.
Dr. Edwin J. Tucker, Chief Medical Officer of Jasper Therapeutics, acknowledges the significant need for LR-MDS therapies and the potential impact of briquilimab in addressing this condition. He emphasizes the comprehensive therapeutic approach of briquilimab, which targets c-Kit, and its potential to provide substantial benefits to LR-MDS patients who are in dire need of new treatment options.
Jasper Therapeutics' Phase 1 trial of briquilimab in LR-MDS represents an important step forward in evaluating the therapeutic potential of this antibody therapy and expanding the available treatments for patients with chronic diseases.
