Humanigen, Inc. outlined the next steps for the development of its lead candidate, lenzilumab, in the prevention of CAR-T therapy related toxicities including ICANS and CRS in patients with relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (rrNHL). CAR-T therapies have resulted in significant advances for patients but the clinical benefit observed often comes at a cost. In up to one-third of patients, significant toxicities of ICANS and CRS occur.

Currently, the widespread adoption of CAR-T therapy is limited, in part, by the requirement for treatment in centers that are experienced in managing the common toxicities of ICANS and CRS and by the financial and health burden that this creates. The SHIELD study will begin recruitment in H1 2022, with preliminary data potentially being shared at the American Society of Hematology congress in December 2022. Lenzilumab is an investigational product and is not authorized or approved in any country.