Rationale for Correct Answer
The correct answer is: It specifically targets cells with active EBV infections
ATA188 is an investigational drug that specifically targets cells with active EBV infections. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells are harvested from healthy donors to develop T-cells targeting EBV-specific antigens. ATA188 is then premanufactured, sorted by HLA types, which are matched to recipients.1
The EMBOLD trials include a Phase 1 open-label, single arm study and a Phase 2 placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, of patients with progressive MS (PMS). Each study has an open-label extension.2
To date, only preliminary data from the Phase 1 trial are available.3 Nine of 24 participants had sustained disability improvement (SDI). For 7/9, the improvement was primarily in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and it was categorized as confirmed disability improvement (CDI). For 5/7 with CDI, the improvement continued through the 4-year extension. When the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) endpoints of these subpopulations were compared to that of the rest of the study population, there was a significant decrease in ventricular enlargement in those with SDI. Similarly, the group of participants with CDI through the extension had less brain atrophy than the rest of the study population, as well as significantly greater increase in normalized magnetization transfer ratio (nMTR), a marker for remyelination.3
References:
1. Pender MP et al. Presented at European Charcots Foundation 28th Annual Meeting, 2020.
2. ClinicalTrials.gov. Accessed January 6, 2023.
3. Noteboom S et al. ECTRIMS 2022 – ePoster. Mult Scler. 2022;28:3_suppl:692-945.