Novartis highlights research on investigational, personalized’T cell therapy CTL019 in patients with forms of acute and chronic leukemia

Data at ASH show increased scientific understanding of CTL019 and its potential role in the treatment of certain types of lymphocytic leukemia , , ,. Presentations include findings that 19 of 22 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia ( ALL) (86%) experienced complete remissions - Novartis and Penn exclusive global collaboration to develop chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology is moving forward with the goal of expanding clinical trials Basel, December 7, 2013 - Novartis is highlighting new research from members of the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine (Penn) on the investigational chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy, CTL019. Several studies being presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting add to the scientific understanding of CTL019 in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and build on earlier research findings , , , . "These data reflect a significant advance in our understanding of the novel, investigational CAR therapy, CTL019, which shows potential for advancing the treatment of patients with ALL and CLL," said Hervé Hoppenot, President, Novartis Oncology. "We are committed, through our collaboration with Penn, to expand the clinical trials of CTL019 to include as many patients as soon as possible." Highlights of the presentations include findings that 19 of 22 pediatric patients with ALL (86%) experienced complete remissions. The first pediatric patient treated with the protocol remains in remission 20 months later.