ASH Data On CRS Helps Determine Where Anti-CD20 Bispecifics Fit Versus CAR-T

Moving bispecific antibodies targeting CD20 into B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) will require finding ways to mitigate their risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which can require hospitalization that outpatient infusion centers cannot provide. However, anti-CD20 bispecifics appear relatively mild in terms of CRS compared to CAR-T therapeutics – which could set them up as competitors to the cell therapies at least in more slow-growing NHL.

CAR-T therapies approved for aggressive NHL – such as Novartis AG’s Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel), Gilead Sciences, Inc.’s Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) and Bristol Myers Squibb Company’s Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel)...