ATA188
ATA188
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is associated with a wide range of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, as well as certain autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). T-cells are a critical component of the body’s immune system and can selectively target EBV believed to be important in the pathogenesis of MS.
Off-the-shelf, investigational ATA188, has the potential to target EBV-infected B-cells and plasma cells in the central nervous system that may catalyze autoimmune responses and MS pathophysiology.
Atara is advancing a Phase 1 ATA188 clinical study in patients with progressive MS across clinical sites in the U.S. and Australia.
About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a chronic neurological autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 2.3 million people around the world. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form of MS and is characterized by episodes of new or worsening signs or symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recovery. Despite available disease-modifying treatments, most individuals with RRMS continue to experience disease activity and disability progression.
Progressive MS (PMS) is a severe form of the disease with few therapeutic options. PMS comprises two conditions, both characterized by persistent progression and worsening of MS symptoms and physical disability over time. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) occurs when continuous progressive disease is present at diagnosis and occurs in approximately 15% of newly diagnosed cases. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) initially begins as RRMS and develops into a progressive form. Up to 80% of people with RRMS will eventually develop SPMS. There is substantial unmet medical need for new and effective therapies for patients with PPMS and SPMS. Most treatment options that work well in reducing flares in RRMS have not been shown to be effective in slowing or reversing disability in PMS.
Off-the-Shelf, Allogeneic ATA188
Our T-cell immunotherapy product candidate, ATA188, is an off-the-shelf, allogeneic EBV T-cell that utilizes a targeted antigen recognition technology that enables the T-cells we administer to selectively identify cells expressing the EBV antigens that may be important in the pathophysiology of MS.
In the fall of 2017, we initiated an open label, single arm, multi-center, multi-national Phase 1 trial with allogeneic ATA188 for MS. The objectives of this Phase 1 study are to assess the safety and clinical outcomes of ATA188 in patients followed for at least one year after the first dose.
Clinical Studies Aimed at Addressing Unmet Medical Needs
There is a high unmet medical need for additional effective immunotherapies. We believe our novel treatments currently in clinical development have the potential to change the way we approach certain life-threatening diseases.