A Study to Evaluate DJI136, a DLL3-targeted CAR-T Therapy

This is a first in human (FIH) Phase I/II, multicenter, open-label study of DJI136 (a CAR-T therapy). The study will start with a Phase I dose escalation with two parts: Part A where patients with ES-SCLC that experience disease progression after one or more chemotherapy regimens according to the standard of care (SOC) will be treated with DJI136. The second part is an optional exploratory component.

The Phase II may follow with two groups. In Group A, ES-SCLC patients who have disease progression after one standard chemotherapy regimen according to the SOC may receive the dose of DJI136 identified in Phase I to assess the preliminary anti-tumor activity of DJI136. The second group is an optional exploratory component.

Inclusion criteria

• Phase I: Patients with ES-SCLC and disease progression after one or more chemotherapy regimens (that included a platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in combination with a PD-L1 inhibitor) according to the local SOC (2L+), unless the patient was ineligible to receive such therapies or was not a candidate for any available standard therapy, according to the investigator's judgement. Prior DLL3 (Delta-like ligand 3) targeted therapy is allowed.
• Phase II: Patients with ES-SCLC who have received a platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in combination with a PD-L1 inhibitor according to local standard of care, unless the patient was ineligible to receive such therapies or was not a candidate for any available standard therapy, as determined by the investigator's judgment. Prior DLL-3 targeted therapy is not allowed.
• Male or female patients must be ≥ 18 years of age.
• Histologically or cytologically confirmed small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
• At least one measurable lesion as defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1).
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1.
• Patients must have an archival tumor tissue available, collected within 6 months prior to screening. If an archival tumor sample, collected within 6 months prior to screening, is not available, patients must be willing to undergo a new tumor biopsy at screening; , however this specimen need not be collected prior to scheduling leukapheresis. If a new biopsy is not medically feasible, exceptions may be considered after documented discussion with the Novartis medical monitor.
• Patient must be deemed suitable by the investigator to undergo the lymphodepletion (LD) regimen.
• Patient must have an apheresis product of non-mobilized cells accepted for manufacturing.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior administration of a genetically modified cellular product, including prior DLL3-targeted CAR-T cell therapy.
• Unstable or symptomatic central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis. Stable brain metastases may participate provided they meet the specific criteria.
• Uncontrolled seizure disorder.
• Clinically significant active infections, including Hepatitis B/C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
• Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment, with specific exceptions as defined in the study protocol.
• History of prior solid organ transplant or allogenic hematopoietic cell transplant
• Other significant pulmonary, cardiac, hepatic, renal or neurologic disease, parameters for which are defined in the study protocol.
• Pregnant or nursing women.

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.