IASO Biotherapeutics (“IASO Bio”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative cell therapies and biologics, today announced that results from an investigator-initiated (IIT) study evaluating its anti-BCMA CAR-T product, Equecabtagene Autoleucel, for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) were presented as an e-presentation at the 11th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN). The study has demonstrated that Equecabtagene Autoleucel are well tolerated and highly effective in treating progressive MS.
Title: Anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy in patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Type: E-presentation
Time: 14:00 – 14:05 (Eastern European Summer Time), June 22, 2025
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Abstract ID: A-25-13667
Presenter: Prof. Chuan Qin, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
This presentation is based on findings from an investigator-initiated clinical study (NCT04561557) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Equecabtagene Autoleucel in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis. The study is currently being conducted at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, which is led by Professor Wei Wang’s team from the Department of Neurology.
Efficacy: As of December 31, 2024, the study enrolled 3 patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) (2 with secondary progressive MS and 1 with primary progressive MS), with baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 6-7 and failed with prior biologic therapy. Following a single infusion of Eque-cel (1.0×10^6 cells/kg), the patients demonstrated rapid and sustained clinical improvement:
- Functional Improvement: All patients showed significant EDSS score decrease compared with baseline, with improved upper limb dexterity (9-Hole Peg Test) and lower limb walking ability (25-Foot Walk Test).
- All patients showed resolution of oligoclonal bands and significant reduction of free light chain kappa in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- MRI revealed no new or enlarged T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions or T2 hyperintense lesions were found in all patients.
Safety:
- All patients experienced transient grade 1 CRS. No ICANS or other neurologic toxic effects were observed post infusion.
- All grade ≥3 cytopenias occurred within 30 days after CAR-T infusion. Only grade ≥3 neutropenia and Lymphopenia were observed, with no occurrence of grade ≥3 anemia or thrombocytopenia.
Conclusion: Equecabtagene Autoleucel is well tolerated and highly effective in treating progressive MS, demonstrated by the improvement in physical function and the resolution of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in CSF.
