Marker Therapeutics Reports Promising Results from Phase 1/2 Study on Multi-Antigen Targeted T Cells in Pancreatic Cancer
Marker Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRKR), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, has announced significant findings from a Phase 1/2 clinical study conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine. Published in *Nature Medicine*, the study revealed a favorable safety profile and an impressive disease control rate of up to 84.6% in patients with pancreatic cancer receiving Multi-Antigen Targeted T cells combined with frontline chemotherapy.
Study Highlights and Key Findings
The clinical study focused on the efficacy of Multi-Antigen Targeted T cells (also referred to as MAR-T cells) in Arm A of the trial. Key results from the study include:
- A disease control rate of 84.6%.
- A median duration of response of 7.5 months (range 3.5 – 16.6 months) for patients achieving a partial or complete response.
- A median overall survival rate of 14.1 months.
These results suggest a potential clinical benefit when combining MAR-T cells with standard chemotherapy treatments.
Correlations Between T Cell Responses and Patient Outcomes
Researchers observed a correlation between the clinical effectiveness and the expansion and persistence of the infused Multi-Antigen Targeted T cells. T cells remained detectable in patients for up to 12 months post-treatment, with higher frequencies found in those responding positively to the therapy.
“We congratulate the research team at Baylor College of Medicine on this outstanding work and encouraging results in patients with pancreatic cancer,” stated Juan Vera, MD, President and CEO of Marker Therapeutics. “This study underscores the potential of MAR-T cells to address significant unmet medical needs in pancreatic cancer.”
Future Directions for Marker Therapeutics
Marker Therapeutics plans to expand the MAR-T cell technology by increasing the number of target antigens and utilizing higher cell doses, along with lymphodepletion in future studies. The company expects to initiate its pancreatic cancer program in the first half of 2026.
Recent results from the Phase 1 APOLLO study, investigating a MAR-T cell product (MT-601) for lymphoma, further validate the safety and efficacy of the MAR-T platform. The APOLLO trial reported a 66% objective response rate, revealing the potential applicability of the technology across different malignancies.
Financial Support and Research Funding
Marker Therapeutics has secured non-dilutive funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to advance its pancreatic cancer program. This funding will support ongoing research without impacting the company's financial runway.
The pancreatic cancer program is beginning to take shape, leveraging the substantial funding and the promising research outcomes that have emerged so far.
About Marker Therapeutics, Inc.
Marker Therapeutics, Inc. is based in Houston, TX, and focuses on developing innovative T cell-based immunotherapies for various hematological malignancies and solid tumors. With over 200 patients enrolled in clinical trials, the company aims to enhance patient outcomes through next-generation therapies.
For more updates on their research and developments, visit Marker Therapeutics' website and subscribe to email alerts for the latest news.