Avalon GloboCare launches first-in-human study of AVA-001 for leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Avalon GloboCare Corp (NASDAQ:AVCO) on Monday provided an update of four clinical programs in cellular therapy, noting that AVA-001 entered into this month the first-in-human clinical study for relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The study of AVA-001, which is a leverage individualized CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy candidate for immuno-oncology, is being conducted at the Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital and Beijing Lu Daopei Hospital in China, the world’s single largest CAR-T treatment network with over 600 patients.

The significance of CAR-T cells is that they have been engineered to express a receptor (CAR) that recognizes a specific cancer surface target to attack. Unlike traditional small molecule or biologic treatments, the CAR-T therapies are specifically manufactured for each individual patient.

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Avalon said the clinical trial of AVA-001 could result in a more powerful delivery mechanism designed to treat the individual patient. The company expects to recruit 20 patients for safety and efficacy studies of AVA-001.

The company also said its proprietary, transposon-based, multi-targeted CAR-T candidate, AVA-101, will enter the pre-clinical process development and validation phase during the third quarter of 2019 as scheduled.

Avalon, based in Freehold, New Jersey, said it could launch the first-in-human clinical trial of this next-generation of safer and more efficacious CAR-T candidate during first quarter of 2020.

The company has further developed a novel therapeutic candidate, AVA-201, for oral cancer. The company plans to launch the first-in-human clinical trial for AVA-201 during the fourth quarter of 2019 with the expectation to move toward a regulatory filing in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Treating diabetic foot ulcer

Lastly, Avalon said it is developing a clinical-grade, exosome-based therapeutic candidate, AVA-202, and plans to initiate international multi-centered clinical studies of vascular diseases and wound healing, including treatment of diabetic foot ulcer, during the fourth quarter of 2019.

“We are pleased to provide updates on our progress in advancing clinical studies using our cellular therapeutic platforms in CAR-T and stem cell derived exosomes,” said CEO Dr David Jin.

“We have successfully evolved into an active clinical stage company which we have the technology, partnerships and talent, all committed to delivering clinical execution and leadership in the areas of cellular immunotherapy and exosome technology.”

Avalon’s stock recently traded up 4.1% to $2.13 a share.

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Story by ProactiveInvestors