OBX-115 – TIL Cell Therapy Advancements for ICI-Resistant Advanced Melanoma: AACR 2024

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, poses a significant health concern globally. Advanced and metastatic stages of melanoma present particularly formidable challenges, often necessitating innovative treatment approaches to address their aggressive nature and high mortality rates.

Patients with ICI-resistant metastatic melanoma face limited treatment options. While investigational unengineered TIL (tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte) cell therapy has shown promise, systemic high-dose IL2 co-administration restricts patient eligibility and poses safety risks.

At AACR 2024, Obsidian Therapeutics presented positive data from a Phase I (NCT05470283) study of its tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy OBX-115 in ICI-resistant metastatic melanoma. The flagship investigational cytoTIL15TM program from Obsidian, OBX-115, is a newly developed tumor-derived autologous T cell immunotherapy (TIL cell therapy) that is fortified with pharmacologically regulated membrane-bound IL15 (mbIL15).

As per the latest results, OBX-115 has led to significant and long-lasting responses, boasting a 50% ORR, with 33% achieving CRR. Among the six patients treated, all experienced tumor burden reduction and substantial disease control for at least 12 weeks post-infusion. Moreover, all patients remained alive, with a promising six-month PFS of 67%.

According to Rodabe N. Amaria, professor in Melanoma Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the principal investigator of the study, the results are particularly encouraging since OBX-115 is the first engineered TIL cell therapy not requiring IL2 co-administration.

Additionally, Madan Jagasia, MD, MS, CEO of Obsidian Therapeutics, echoed this sentiment emphasizing the potential of OBX-115 to revolutionize TIL cell therapy and expand its reach to a broader patient population. Notably, OBX-115 is being investigated in two ongoing and enrolling clinical trials in advanced or metastatic melanoma and NSCLC (NCT05470283 and NCT06060613).

For more information on Advanced Melanoma and TIL Therapy, refer to DelveInsight’s report:

Advanced Melanoma – Market Insight, Epidemiology And Market Forecast – 2032

TIL Therapy – Pipeline Insight, 2024