A new Phase 1b trial shows promising results for LYT-200, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting galectin-9 in high-risk blood cancers. The drug is being tested in patients with relapsed or refractory myeloid malignancies who have already failed multiple treatments.
In high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, LYT-200 combined with standard therapy achieved a 45.5% overall response rate, with about 27% complete remissions. Some patients improved enough to proceed to stem cell transplant. In acute myeloid leukemia, the drug combination produced a 42.3% response rate and a 30.8% composite complete remission rate, even in patients with drug-resistant mutations.
LYT-200 also showed a favorable safety profile across more than 100 patients, with no dose-limiting toxicities or treatment-related deaths. The therapy has received FDA Fast Track designation, and further studies are being planned to support potential approval in these difficult-to-treat cancers.