Kymriah, also known as tisagenlecleucel, is a CAR-T cell therapy used to treat certain types of blood cancers. This innovative treatment involves extracting T cells from a patient's blood, modifying them in a laboratory to recognize and attack cancer cells, and then reinfusing them into the patient.
Research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and Novartis, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute [1], has shown that Kymriah can be highly effective in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that affects children and adults. In a clinical trial, patients who received Kymriah experienced a complete remission rate of 63% [2], with some patients experiencing long-term remission.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine [3] also demonstrated the durability of Kymriah's impact on cancer cells. The study found that among patients who achieved complete remission, the median duration of response was 26 months, with 50% of patients experiencing a long-term response lasting at least 2 years.
However, it is essential to note that the longevity of Kymriah's impact on cancer cells can vary depending on individual patient factors, such as the type and severity of the cancer, and the presence of any co-morbidities. Ongoing research is aimed at refining the treatment and improving outcomes for patients.
According to a report by DrugPatentWatch.com, Kymriah's patent is due to expire in 2032, which could impact the market and pricing of the treatment [4].
Sources:
[1] University of Pennsylvania. (n.d.). Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah). Retrieved from https://www.uphs.upenn.edu/ccic/research/tisagenlecleucel/
[2] Maude, S. L., et al. (2018). Tisagenlecleucel in Children and Young Adults with B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(10), 929-939.
[3] Neelapu, S. S., et al. (2017). Axicabtagene Ciloleucel CAR T-Cell Therapy in Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(25), 2536-2544.
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Patent Expiration for Kymriah. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/ep/EP2961155