First-in-Human Dose Escalation Study of AFM28 in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia

This study is a First In Human, phase 1, open-label, non-randomized, multi-center, multiple ascending dose escalation study evaluating AFM28 as a monotherapy in subjects with Relapsed/Refractory CD123-positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). AFM28 is a tetravalent monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-3 receptor subunit alpha (IL3RA, CD123) and the low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc region receptor III-A (FCGR3A, CD16A). It is developed as an antineoplastic agent for hematologic malignancies known to express CD123. The primary pharmacological Mode of Action of AFM28 is induction of cell death of CD123-expressing cells by stimulating Antibody-Dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity mediated by CD16A-expressing immune cells, primarily Natural Killer cells. The aim of the dose escalation is to determine the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) and/or establish one or more Recommended Phase 2 Doses, based on safety, preliminary anti-leukemic activity and Pharmacokinetics / Pharmacodynamics data.

The study drug will be given by intravenous infusion once weekly as long as the subject is deriving clinical benefit until disease progression or other treatment discontinuation criteria met, unacceptable toxicity, or subject's refusal, whichever occurs first. The dose-limiting toxicity observation period will be 28 days, reflecting adequate exposure for safety assessment. The dose-escalation scheme will follow a Bayesian logistic regression model. A safety review committee will monitor safety and recommend all cohort dosing decisions. The starting First In Human dose for AFM28 will be 25 mg i.v. and treatment in each cohort will utilize a staggered approach, with at least 7 days between the first dose of the first subject and the first dose of subsequent subjects. In order to gather additional Pharmacokinetics/ Pharmacodynamics and safety data to inform potential final dose escalation decisions and selection of one or more recommended phase 2 doses at selected dose levels, additional subjects may be enrolled in at least two cohorts consistent with backfilling a cohort (up to 12 subjects).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1. Subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of AML as defined by 2016 WHO Classification and determined by pathology review at the study site. Subjects with acute promyelocytic leukemia are excluded.

  2. Subjects must have CD123-positive AML confirmed on bone marrow or peripheral blood at Screening (assessed locally without any cut-off level).

  3. Subjects with AML who are in the first, second, or third relapse OR who are at least primary refractory and received at most 3 regimes of previous standard anti-leukemia therapy.

  4. Primary refractory is defined as ≥ 5% blasts in bone marrow following 2 cycles of anthracycline and cytarabine based induction (such as 3+7 or similar), or one cycle of purine analogue containing induction, or after ≥ 3 cycles hypomethylating agent ± or low dose cytarabine ± B-Cell lymphoma 2 based induction regimen, or ≥ 4 cycles of hypomethylating agent based therapy.

  5. Subjects with prior autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplant are eligible. Subjects with an allogeneic transplant must meet the following conditions: The transplant must have been performed \> 3 months before the date of dosing on this study, the subject must not have active graft versus host disease, must be off all graft versus host disease medications at least \> 28 days prior to date of dosing of study drug (for example, calcineurin inhibitors, ≥ 10 mg/day prednisone or other steroid equivalent, or other immunosuppressive agents).

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1. Diagnosis of BCR-ABL-positive leukemia, acute promyelocytic leukemia, or juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

  2. Known hypersensitivity/allergic reaction ≥ grade 3 to monoclonal antibodies or any components used in the AFM28 drug product preparation, any history of anaphylaxis or uncontrolled asthma. Prior CD123 targeting therapies should be allowed after discussion with and at the discretion of the Sponsor.

  3. Received any anticancer therapy or investigational treatment for AML within 14 days of the first dose of study drug and within 28 days for biological agents including but not limited to monoclonal antibodies, cellular therapies, bispecific antibodies, checkpoint antibodies and others. Must have recovered to grade ≤ 1 from any grade 2 to 4 toxicity from previous treatment, except alopecia.

  4. History of any other systemic malignancy, unless previously treated with curative intent and the subject has been disease free for 2 years or longer. Examples for acceptable previous malignancies include completely removed in situ cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia, non-melanoma skin cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, early-stage prostate cancer that has been adequately treated. Subjects who meet the above criteria and are on maintenance therapy for the prior malignancy may be eligible after discussion and approval from the medical monitor.

  5. The subject has received radionuclide treatment within 6 weeks of the first dose of study treatment.

  6. Known clinically active or suspected central nervous system (CNS) leukemia. If suspected, CNS leukemia should be ruled out with relevant imaging and/or examination of cerebrospinal fluid. Subjects with known prior CNS leukemia should have had at least two consecutive negative Lumbar Punctures for CNS leukemia and no clinical signs.