Advertise With UsAdvertise on our extensive network of industry websites and newsletters.
Get the PBR newsletterSign up to our free email to get all the latest PBR
news.US-based biotechnology firm Cellerant Therapeutics has received $47.5m contract under a second option exercised by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support the continued advanced development of CLT-008.
Subscribe to our email newsletter
CLT-008 is a first-in-class, allogeneic, cell-based therapy to treat hematopoietic sub-syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS).
The recent funding is in addition to the $116.4m committed under the two-year base period and the first option, and is part of the total obligated contract valued at $163.8m.
The funding will be used for the company’s randomized Phase II clinical trial in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and the nonclinical studies required for approval in treating ARS.
If licensed by the FDA, the federal government could buy CLT-008 for the Strategic National Stockpile under Project Bioshield, which is designed to accelerate the research, development, purchase and availability of effective medical countermeasures for the Strategic National Stockpile.
Cellerant Therapeutics president and chief executive officer Ram Mandalam said the company is happy that the federal government continues to support its efforts in this successful public-private partnership with BARDA.
"The exercise of this second option reflects recognition of the importance of this first-in-kind therapy to serve an unmet medical need to reduce the infection-related complications from severe neutropenia caused by chemotherapy or exposure to radiation," Mandalam said.
"These funds allow for the initiation and completion of a randomized Phase 2 trial in AML by building on efficacy signals observed to date in the clinic. We look forward to continuing to work with BARDA to advance CLT-008 development towards approval."