The constant quest for effective treatments for malignant mesothelioma has led researchers in many different directions, including a novel approach being pursued by a Philadelphia-based biotherapeutics company. Today, Context Therapeutics announced that the first patient has been dosed in their Phase I clinical trial of their product CT-95, a mesothelin x CD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target mesothelin-expressing cancers.
Precision Immunotherapy Drug Targets Mesothelioma and Other Mesothelin-expressing Solid Tumors
Like many other advanced solid tumors, mesothelioma overexpresses mesothelin, a membrane protein cancer antigen that is also present in normal levels in healthy tissues. CT-95 is designed to redirect T-cell activities toward mesothelin-expressing cancer cells while avoiding mesothelin fragments – or shed mesothelin – that are commonly found in both blood and the tumor microenvironment.
Because CT-95 has only a moderate affinity for these fragments but a high affinity for membrane-bound mesothelin like those found on the surface of mesothelioma cancer cells, it is hoped that it can overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that has diminished the effectiveness of other immunotherapy approaches while at the same time leaving healthy cells alone.
Phase I Clinical Trial Includes Patients with Mesothelioma
The Phase I clinical trial of CT-95 is an open-label, dose escalation, and expansion study that will evaluate the treatment’s safety and efficacy in patients with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer. The trial will evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics as well as anti-tumor activity by its overall response rate, duration of response, and disease control rate. The company’s scientists expect to enroll up to thirty patients.
In a press release issued by the company, CEO Martin Lehr said, “Dosing of the first patient in our CT-95 Phase I clinical trial represents another step forward in our mission to develop next-generation precision immunotherapies for solid tumors.” Initial results from the study are expected in mid-2026.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about the resources available to you.
