Celyad (NASDAQ:CYAD) Oncology SA CYAD entered into a clinical trial collaboration with Merck MRK to evaluate its investigational non-gene edited allogeneic CAR T candidate, CYAD-101, combined with the latter’sblockbuster anti-PD-1 drug, Keytruda, in patients with microsatellite stable refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Celyad Oncology will conduct the phase Ib KEYNOTE-B79 study. The study will evaluate CYAD-101 in combination with Keytruda, following FOLFIRI (combination of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan) preconditioning chemotherapyin refractory mCRC patients with microsatellite stable disease. FOLFIRI is a chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Shares of Ceylad have lost 10.8% against the industry’s 2.2% growth.
According to Celyad, the mechanisms of both CYAD-101 and Keytruda are complementary and could help drive meaningful clinical benefits in patients with advanced mCRC.
Ceylad is evaluating CYAD-101 for the treatment of mCRC in a phase I alloSHRINK study.
The company released additional data from the study in June 2020. The study demonstrated CYAD-101’s differentiated profile as an allogeneic CAR-T candidate. Two patients achieved a confirmed partial response and nine patients achieved stable disease, leading to a disease control rate of 73%. Overall safety and clinical activity data are human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-independent, indicating that CYAD-101 cells can be used in a broad patient population regardless of the HLA haplotype.
Per Celyad, the Merck collaboration will help it further build on the encouraging data from the alloSHRINK study.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
Celyad currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector include Emergent Biosolutions (NYSE:EBS) Inc. EBS and Bio Techne Corp TECH. While Emergent Biosolutions sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Bio Techne carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Emergent’s earnings estimates have increased from $4.23 to $6.58 for 2020 and from $5.55 to $7.62 for 2021 over the past 60 days. Shares of the company have increased 92.1% year to date.
Bio Techne’s earnings estimates have increased from $5.33 to $5.48 for 2020 and from $6.41 to $6.50 for 2021 over the past 60 days. Shares of the company have increased 11.0% year to date.
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