Jakob Dupont, MD, on ATA188’s Potential in All Forms of Multiple Sclerosis

“We feel very strongly about trying to make a difference for these progressive MS patients, because it is such a high unmet need, and there are so few treatment options for these patients. We really hope that this is something that's quite impactful for these patients.”

Atara Biotherapeutics’ cell therapy ATA188 is in development for the potential treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Interim data analysis from the phase 2 EMBOLD study (NCT03283826) is expected in June 2022.¹

The fast-tracked therapy targets Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells for the potential treatment of MS and previously demonstrated positive data in its phase 1 study and open-label extension. This mechanism of action was validated after a publication in Science elucidated the relationship between MS and EBV, with a high prevalence of EBV infections associated with MS.²

CGTLive spoke with Jakob Dupont, MD, global head of research and development, Atara Biotherapeutics, to learn more about the progress of the EMBOLD study. He also discussed ATA188’s potential in meeting the high unmet needs of patients with progressive MS and also in other forms of MS.

REFERENCES

1. Atara Biotherapeutics announces first quarter 2022 financial results and operational progress. News release. Atara Biotherapeutics. May 5, 2022. https://investors.atarabio.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/276/atara-biotherapeutics-announces-first-quarter-2022
2. Bjornevik K, Cortese M, Healy BC, et al. Longitudinal analysis reveals high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus associated with multiple sclerosis. Science. 2022; 375(6578): 296-301. doi:10.1126/science.abj8222