TRPM2 cation channels are widely expressed in the immune system and are thought to play a role in immune cell responses to oxidative stress. Patch clamp analyses suggest that TRPM2 channel activation can occur through a direct action of oxidants on TRPM2 channels or indirectly through the actions of a related group of adenine nucleotide 2nd messengers. However, the contribution of each gating mechanism to oxidative stressinduced TRPM2 activation in lymphocytes remains undefined. To better understand the molecular events leading to TRPM2 activation in lymphocytes, we analyzed oxidative stress-induced turnover of intracellular NAD, the metabolic precursor of adenine nucleotide 2nd messengers implicated in TRPM2 gating, and oxidative stress-induced TRPM2-mediated currents and Ca 2؉ transients in DT40 B cells. TRPM2-dependent Ca 2؉ entry did not influence the extent or time course of oxidative stressinduced turnover of NAD. Furthermore, expression of oxidative stress-activated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) was required for oxidative stress-induced NAD turnover, TRPM2 currents, and TRPM2-dependent Ca 2؉ transients; no oxidantinduced activation of TRPM2 channels could be detected in PARP-deficient cells. Together, our results suggest that during conditions of oxidative stress in lymphocytes, TRPM2 acts as a downstream effector of the PARP/poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase pathway through PARP-dependent formation of ADP-ribose.

T-cell-recruiting bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) have shown potent tumor killing activity in humans, but cytokine release-related toxicities have affected their clinical utility. The use of novel anti-CD3 binding domains with more favorable properties could aid in the creation of T-BsAbs with improved therapeutic windows. Using a sequence-based discovery platform, we identified new anti-CD3 antibodies from humanized rats that bind to multiple epitopes and elicit varying levels of T-cell activation. In T-BsAb format, 12 different anti-CD3 arms induce equivalent levels of tumor cell lysis by primary T-cells, but potency varies by a thousand-fold. Our lead CD3-targeting arm stimulates very low levels of cytokine release, but drives robust tumor antigen-specific killing in vitro and in a mouse xenograft model. This new CD3-targeting antibody underpins a next-generation T-BsAb platform in which potent cytotoxicity is uncoupled from high levels of cytokine release, which may lead to a wider therapeutic window in the clinic.

Background: BCMA targeted immunotherapy has yielded promising results for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). TNB-383B is a BCMA x CD3 bispecific T-cell redirecting antibody incorporating a unique anti-CD3 moiety that preferentially activates effector over regulatory T-cells and uncouples cytokine release from anti-tumor activity, as well as 2 heavy-chain-only anti-BCMA moieties for a 2:1 tumor associated antigen to CD3 stoichiometry. Results from the ongoing phase 1 dose escalation and expansion First-in-Human (FIH) study of TNB-383B are presented (NCT03933735). Methods: Eligible patients have RRMM and have been exposed to at least 3 prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Patients have been treated with escalating doses of TNB-383B infused IV over 1-2 hours Q3W (without step-up dosing). The primary objectives are to determine the safety/tolerability and clinical pharmacology of TNB-383B and to identify the MTD/RP2D. The study used a 3+3 design for dose escalation, with additional patients enrolled on cleared dose levels. Patients on earlier dose cohorts were allowed to increase to the highest cleared dose with investigator consensus. Responses were assessed by IMWG criteria and Adverse Events (AEs) were graded according to CTCAE v5.0. Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment was performed via NGS on bone marrow samples in patients achieving a complete response (CR). Results: As of 13 July 2020, 38 subjects have been dosed with TNB-383B (0.025 - 40 mg). Demographics and disease characteristics at study entry are summarized in Table 1. The most common Gr 3/4 AEs were anemia (6/38; 16%) and thrombocytopenia (5/38; 13%). The most common drug-related AEs were CRS (8/38; 21%) and headache (5/38; 13%). One case of Gr 2 CRS was observed at 0.075 mg; all other CRS events were seen at 5.4 mg and above. Cases of CRS were grade 1 (5/8) or 2 (3/8) and occurred only after the first dose of TNB-383B. All but 3 subjects were managed with fluids and acetaminophen (the other 3 received 1 dose each of tocilizumab). One DLT, Gr3 confusion that resolved within 6 hours without sequelae was seen at the 20 mg dose in an additional patient enrolled on this cohort. No IRRs were observed. Dose modification was necessary in 1 subject for Gr 3 neutropenia associated with CRS; the subject escalated to their full dose after tolerating subsequent doses without incident. 5 subjects died from their underlying disease during follow-up. 15 subjects discontinued treatment, all of them for progressive disease. Preliminary PK data support Q3W dosing of TNB-383B. Activity was observed in one patient each at 0.2 mg and 1.8 mg; at doses of 5.4 - 40 mg an ORR of 52% (12/23) was observed. Depth and duration of response are summarized in Table 2. Conclusions: TNB-383B is well tolerated at doses up to 40 mg, without the need for step/split dosing. A preliminary ORR of 52% (12/23) was observed at doses ≥ 5.4 mg, including deep (6 PR / 3 VGPR / 3 CR) and durable (up to 24 weeks) responses despite dosing only every 3 weeks. Enrollment into the dose escalation arm is ongoing; updated data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures Rodriguez: BMS, Takeda, Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. D'Souza:Amgen: Research Funding; Akcea: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Teneobio: Research Funding; Imbrium: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy. Shah:GSK, Amgen, Indapta Therapeutics, Sanofi, BMS, CareDx, Kite, Karyopharm: Consultancy; BMS, Janssen, Bluebird Bio, Sutro Biopharma, Teneobio, Poseida, Nektar: Research Funding. Voorhees:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: Personal fees; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Other: Personal fees; Novartis: Other: Personal fees; Celgene: Other: Personal fees; Janssen: Other: Personal fees; Oncopeptides: Other: Personal fees; TeneoBio: Other: Personal fees; Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health: Current Employment. Buelow:Teneobio, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company. Kumar:Karyopharm: Consultancy; Tenebio: Other, Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Other: Independent Review Committee; IRC member; AbbVie: Other: Research funding for clinical trials to the institution, Consulting/Advisory Board participation with no personal payments; Genecentrix: Consultancy; Dr. Reddy's Laboratories: Honoraria; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Research funding for clinical trials to the institution, Consulting/Advisory Board participation with no personal payments; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cellectar: Other; Janssen Oncology: Other: Research funding for clinical trials to the institution, Consulting/Advisory Board participation with no personal payments; Carsgen: Other, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Other: Research funding for clinical trials to the institution, Consulting/Advisory Board participation with no personal payments, Research Funding; Celgene/BMS: Other: Research funding for clinical trials to the institution, Consulting/Advisory Board participation with no personal payments; Novartis: Research Funding; MedImmune: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Other: Research funding for clinical trials to the institution, Consulting/Advisory Board participation with no personal payments; Kite Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding.

PURPOSE ABBV-383, a B-cell maturation antigen × CD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody, has demonstrated promising results in an ongoing first-in-human phase I study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03933735 ) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Herein, we report safety and efficacy outcomes of this phase I dose escalation/expansion study. METHODS Patients with RRMM (≥ three prior lines including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody) were eligible. ABBV-383 was administered intravenously over 1-2 hours once every 3 weeks, without any step dosing. A 3 + 3 design with backfilling for dose escalation was used (intrapatient escalation to highest safe dose permitted) followed by initiation of dose expansion. RESULTS As of January 8, 2022, 124 patients (dose escalation [0.025-120 mg], n = 73; dose expansion [60 mg], n = 51) have received ABBV-383; median age was 68 years (range, 35-92 years). The most common hematologic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were neutropenia (all grades: 37%) and anemia (29%). The most common nonhematologic TEAEs were cytokine release syndrome (57%) and fatigue (30%). Seven deaths from TEAEs were reported with all considered unrelated to study drug by the investigator. For all efficacy-evaluable patients (n = 122; all doses), the objective response rate (ORR) was 57% and very good partial response (VGPR) or better (≥ VGPR) rate was 43%. In the 60 mg dose expansion cohort (n = 49), the ORR and ≥ VGPR rates were 59% and 39%, respectively; and in the ≥ 40 mg dose escalation plus dose expansion cohorts (n = 79) were 68% and 54%, respectively. CONCLUSION ABBV-383 in patients with RRMM was well tolerated with an ORR of 68% at doses ≥ 40 mg. This novel therapy's promising preliminary antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients warrants further clinical evaluation.