1. Eti-cel achieved 88% ORR and 63% CR in r/r NHL patients. 2. IL-2 may enhance effectiveness and safety of eti-cel therapy. 3. Enrollment for IL-2 cohort begins in Q1 2026. 4. Full Phase 1 dataset expected in 2026. 5. Cellectis controls end-to-end gene therapy manufacturing.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The strong ORR and CR rates suggest high potential for CLLS's stock performance. Historical precedents show similar announcements often positively impacted biotech stock prices.
How important is it?
The strong preliminary results for eti-cel could signify advancements in cancer therapies, impacting CLLS's market position.
Why Long Term?
The positive data will likely build investor confidence over time until the full dataset is released in 2026.
Cellectis Unveils Promising Data for Eti-cel in r/r NHL at ASH 2025
On December 8, 2025, Cellectis (NASDAQ: CLLS; Euronext Growth: ALCLS), a pioneering clinical-stage biotechnology firm, presented compelling interim results from their Phase 1 NATHALI-01 clinical trial featuring the innovative CAR-T therapy, eti-cel, at the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) held in Orlando, Florida. These findings demonstrate a significant potential for eti-cel in treating relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r NHL) patients.
Encouraging Results from Phase 1 Trial
The data showcased an impressive 88% overall response rate (ORR) and a 63% complete response rate (CR) among patients (n=8) receiving the current dose of eti-cel, marking a significant achievement in targeting r/r NHL after at least two prior therapies. Notably, eti-cel represents the first allogeneic dual CAR-T therapy designed to simultaneously target CD20 and CD22.
Furthermore, in vivo research indicated that the addition of exogenous low-dose Interleukin-2 (IL-2) could potentially enhance the expansion and efficacy of CAR-T cells, thereby optimizing patient outcomes without increasing toxicity.
Future Directions and Clinical Trial Developments
Cellectis is taking the next steps to explore the impact of low-dose IL-2 support on treatment responses. The company plans to initiate patient enrollment for this specific cohort in Q1 2026, with the complete dataset from the Phase 1 trial expected later that year.
“Cellectis believes that, with the addition of low-dose IL-2 support, it is possible to further deepen the already high response rates seen with eti-cel in these patients,” said Dr. Adrian Kilcoyne, Cellectis’ Chief Medical Officer. “We look forward to sharing the full Phase 1 dataset expected in 2026.”
About Cellectis
Cellectis specializes in developing groundbreaking cell and gene therapies through its unique gene-editing platform. Focusing on an allogeneic approach, the company is revolutionizing CAR T immunotherapies in oncology by creating off-the-shelf, ready-to-use gene-edited CAR T-cells. Cellectis maintains comprehensive control over its therapy development cycle, thanks to its in-house manufacturing capabilities. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, with additional locations in New York and Raleigh, North Carolina.
For more information, please visit www.cellectis.com or follow Cellectis on LinkedIn and X.
Investment Considerations and Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements in accordance with applicable securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors should recognize that these statements, including timelines for clinical trials and potential benefits of Cellectis’ therapies, involve risks and uncertainties that could lead to actual results differing materially from those anticipated.
Contact Information
- Media Contacts:
- Pascalyne Wilson, Director of Communications, +33 (0)7 76 99 14 33, media@cellectis.com
- Patricia Sosa Navarro, Chief of Staff to the CEO, +33 (0)7 76 77 46 93
- Investor Relations Contact:
- Arthur Stril, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Business Officer, investors@cellectis.com