Cargo Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation cancer treatments. Its primary mission is to create advanced immunotherapies for patients with limited therapeutic options. The company was founded by experts in immuno-oncology and cell therapy engineering from Stanford University. Their work centers on advancing potentially curative treatments.
The Science of CAR T-Cell Therapy
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a specialized form of immunotherapy that reprograms a patient’s own immune cells to combat cancer. The process begins with the extraction of T-cells, a type of white blood cell, from a patient’s blood.
Once isolated, the T-cells are sent to a laboratory for genetic modification. Scientists use a disarmed virus to deliver genetic instructions into the T-cells, prompting them to produce proteins on their surface called Chimeric Antigen Receptors, or CARs. These receptors are engineered to recognize and bind to specific markers, known as antigens, on cancer cells.
After the T-cells have been engineered, they are multiplied in the laboratory, creating a large population of these cells. This expansion phase ensures there is a sufficient number of modified cells to mount an effective attack.
The final step involves infusing the engineered CAR T-cells back into the patient’s bloodstream. These modified cells then circulate throughout the body. When they encounter cancer cells displaying the target antigen, the CARs bind to them, triggering the T-cells to destroy the malignant cells.
Targeting Relapsed Cancers
While initial CAR T-cell therapies have shown considerable success, a challenge is that many patients do not respond or experience a relapse. This occurs when the cancer returns after a period of remission. The reasons for treatment failure are complex.
One primary mechanism behind relapse is antigen escape. The first generation of CAR T-cell therapies was designed to target an antigen called CD19, which is frequently found on cancerous B-cells. Over time, some cancer cells can adapt to evade this targeted attack.
Cancer cells may mutate in a way that they reduce or stop expressing the CD19 antigen on their surface. Without this target marker, the CD19-directed CAR T-cells can no longer recognize them. This allows the cancer to grow unchecked, leading to a relapse.
Cargo’s Lead Candidate CRG-022
In response to cancer relapse, Cargo Therapeutics is developing its lead product candidate, CRG-022. This is an autologous CAR T-cell therapy, meaning it is derived from the patient’s own T-cells. The design of CRG-022 is intended to address the problem of antigen escape.
CRG-022 is engineered to target a different antigen called CD22. Research has shown that when cancerous B-cells lose the CD19 antigen, they often continue to express the CD22 antigen. This makes CD22 a valuable alternative target for patients whose disease has returned.
The primary focus for the development of CRG-022 is for patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), a common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is intended for individuals who have relapsed or become refractory following treatment with a prior CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy. This offers a new therapeutic option for this patient population.
Clinical Development and Company Outlook
The clinical development of CRG-022 has shown promising results in early-phase trials. Data from a Phase 1 study focused on a patient population with limited treatment options indicated a high response rate. These findings suggest targeting the CD22 antigen is a viable strategy.
To support the advancement of its lead candidate, Cargo Therapeutics completed a successful Initial Public Offering (IPO). This funding enables the company to move CRG-022 into Phase 2 clinical trials. These trials are designed to further evaluate the treatment’s safety and efficacy.
The capital raised also supports the company’s broader research and development of other next-generation cell therapies. The progression of CRG-022 through clinical development is a step toward addressing unmet needs in cancer treatment. The company’s focus is on overcoming the limitations of current therapies to provide more durable outcomes for patients.