Several Dual CAR’s targeting solid tumors are being investigated in the clinic with the primary endpoint to establish safety and target selection. While admirable, an approach of dual targeting antigens leaves a fundamental challenge unanswered where the approach has likely not sufficiently planned for the most appropriate way to accommodate intracytoplasmic signaling domains of the dual CAR’s. Optimal Co-stimulation is the first critical event to counter immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. Luminary has exclusively in-licensed technology from the University of North Carolina where the optimal co-stimulation has been well identified. This technology has demonstrated rapid anti-tumor effects, which are sustained by optimized signaling, effector molecular signature, and metabolic fitness of the CAR-T cells. Furthermore, dual antigen targeting prevents tumor escape when antigen expression in tumor cells is heterogeneous.

Luminary intends to establish an allogeneic dual targeting CAR that will consist of CSPG4 and CD70. We are currently demonstrating the functionality of this approach via in vitro testing of multiple solid tumor cancer lines.

Head and Neck

Our lead indication is Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. We are also evaluating additional indications as potential targets for a Phase I clinical trial.

Flexibility with Application to Many Indications

Luminary’s unique ligand-based CAR targets three antigen receptors. This enables the development of several different cancer and autoimmune therapies without the need to alter the product or the manufacturing process. These receptors (BAFF, BCMA, & TACI) are found on many of the most prevalent hematological cancers. Some are orphan designated indications such as CLL and HCL allowing for quicker regulatory pathways to approval.

Luminary is in the final development stages of scaling our the manufacturing platform with the BAFF CAR on our Gamma 2.0+ platform providing a pathway to better patient access for these life-saving therapies!

Solution to Antigen Escape

In the vast universe of CAR-T immunotherapies, there are still challenges to overcome. Our R&D team has recently put forth some eye-opening results. Leading the way is our novel single CAR. Using three receptors, it is designed to overcome a major deficiency of the single antigen CAR – Antigen Escape. This single antigen approach results in failure rates between 25% and 30%, depending on the type of cancer.

Our 3-receptor CAR first identifies multiple targets on cancer cells. It then surrounds and attaches to these cells in three ways instead of one, allowing fewer escape routes and increasing overall cancer-killing effectiveness.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Lymphoma begins when healthy B cells, T cells, or NK cells in the lymphatic system change and grow out of control, which may form a tumor. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a term that refers to a group of cancers of the lymphatic system. These cancers can have different symptoms and signs, findings on a physical examination, and treatments.

Because lymphatic tissue is found in most parts of the body, NHL can start almost anywhere and can spread, or metastasize, to almost any organ. It often begins in the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, or bone marrow. However, it can also involve the stomach, intestines, skin, thyroid gland, brain, or any other part of the body.

Luminary Therapeutics supports the development of our BAFF-CAR-T, a first-of-its-kind CAR-T cell therapy that targets three distinct antigens present on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Multiple Myeloma

Myeloma is a blood cancer of cells found in the bone marrow specifically the plasma cells. Plasma cells produce antibodies that help the body fight infection. Myeloma begins when healthy plasma cells change and grow out of control. This may result in multiple bone lesions that increase the risk of bone fractures.

Luminary Therapeutics supports the development of our BAFF-CAR-T, a first-of-its-kind CAR-T cell therapy that targets three distinct antigens present on multiple myeloma tumors.

Autoimmune – Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease with no cure which affects 1.5 million Americans. Autoreactive B cells and the antibodies they produce have emerged as primary drivers of the disease, and therapies targeting B cells have shown promise but require long term treatment and eventually lose efficacy. The BAFF CAR therapy at Luminary identifies and removes autoreactive B cells by directly targeting the B cell activating factor receptors, eliminating the cause of inflammation at the source. The clearance of B cells through the use of the engineered BAFF CAR therapy could be the key to the complete remission of Lupus inflammation in the future.