Phase I/II Study to Evaluate the Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of FP-1201 (Intravenous Interferon-Beta-1a) to Prevent Toxicities after CD19-Directed CAR T-Cell Therapy: Trial in Progress

BACKGROUND

CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. Yet it remains limited by potentially life-threatening toxicities such as CRS and ICANS. The risk of CRS and ICANS restricts the use of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy to large academic centers and leads to high healthcare resource utilization. Current toxicity prevention strategies have shown limited efficacy to date (prophylactic steroids with axi-cel: CRS, 80%; ICANS, 60%; Oluwole, BJH, 2021; early intervention with brexu-cel: CRS, 89%; ICANS, 60%; Shah, The Lancet, 2021). Our group has shown that endothelial activation and dysfunction are associated with the development of CRS and ICANS, suggesting a key role of increased vascular permeability and blood-brain barrier damage in their pathogenesis (Hay, Blood, 2017).

Type-I interferons (IFN-alpha and beta) are major regulators of CD73 expression by endothelial cells, an enzyme critical to the maintenance of endothelial integrity. CD73 breaks down extracellular pro-inflammatory ATP into anti-inflammatory adenosine. In addition, extracellular ATP has been shown to be a major and early driver of systemic inflammation upstream from IL-6 production (Cauwels, Cell Death Dis, 2014), which is associated with severe CRS and ICANS. Preclinical models have demonstrated that IFN-beta-1a treatment is associated with reduced capillary and blood-brain barrier permeability via upregulation of CD73 expression (Floris, J Neuroimmunol, 2002; Kraus., Ann Neurol, 2004; Niemela, Eur J Immunol, 2008). In humans, two recombinant IFN-beta-1a therapies are FDA-approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. IFN-beta-1a given intravenously (IV) maximizes the drug’s bioavailability and its protective effects on the endothelium. In a study of patients with ARDS, IV IFN-beta-1a (FP-1201 and FP-1201-lyo) was safe and induced CD73 expression (Bellingan, Lancet Respir Med 2014).

Given the known effects of IFN-beta-1a on preserving endothelial function and blood-brain barrier integrity, we hypothesize that IV IFN-beta-1a (FP-1201) may prevent CRS and ICANS following CD19 CAR T-cell therapy (Figure 1A). Since higher rates of severe CRS and ICANS have been reported after axi-cel and brexu-cel, which contain CD28-costimulatory domains, we will restrict the inclusion criteria to patients treated with these products to analyze a population with a higher unmet need and a more homogeneous risk of CRS/ICANS.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Objectives and endpoints:

• Primary objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of FP-1201 in patients undergoing treatment with axi-cel or brexu-cel with two co-primary endpoints: i) to estimate the incidence of dose-limiting toxicity rates within the first 14 days following the last administration of FP-1201; ii) to study the type, frequency, and severity of adverse events according to the NCI CTCAE v5.0 from the first administration of FP-1201 and until day +28 after CAR T-cell infusion
• Secondary objectives: i) To decrease the incidence and severity of ICANS; ii) to decrease the incidence and severity of CRS; iii) to decrease corticosteroid usage; iv) to evaluate the effect of FP-1201 on anti-tumor efficacy
• Exploratory objectives: To characterize the in vivo effects of FP-1201 on endothelial function, the systemic cytokine milieu, and CAR T-cell function

Key inclusion criteria: Adults ≥18 years of age with Karnofsky performance status ≥60% and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma eligible for treatment with axi-cel or brexu-cel

Key exclusion criteria: Known hypersensitivity to IFN-beta or major organ dysfunction

FP-1201 administration: The FDA-approved IFN-beta-1a Rebif® will be formulated for IV administration (FP-1201). Participants will receive FP-1201 at one of four dose levels detailed in Figure 1B.

Statistical design and sample size: We will use a Bayesian Optimal Interval Design to guide the FP-1201 dose escalation. We will plan to treat up to 24 participants.

SUMMARY

This is a phase I/II study of IV IFN-beta-1a in preventing CRS and ICANS following axi-cel and brexu-cel. The aim is to demonstrate safety and efficacy and to investigate the biologic mechanisms of IFN-beta-1a in preventing endothelial dysfunction. Additional preclinical and preliminary clinical data will be presented at the meeting. This study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05936229.