IASO Bio to Present Promising Findings on Equecabtagene Autoleucel for Multiple Sclerosis at both ANA and ECTRIMS 2025

PLEASANTON, Calif., Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IASO Biotherapeutics ("IASO Bio"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative cell therapies, today announced promising results of its independently developed fully human anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Eque-cel), for the treatment of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PMS), will be presented at the 2025 American Neurological Association (ANA) Annual Meeting and the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress. The data will be disclosed through a poster presentation and an oral presentation respectively at these two premier academic conferences.

Meeting name: 2025 American Neurological Association (ANA) Annual Meeting
Type: Poster
Location:Baltimore, USA
Time: September 15, 2025
Abstract ID: M110

Meeting name: 2025 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress
Type: Oral
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Time: September 26, 2025
Abstract ID: ECTRIMS25-1626
Presenter: Prof. Chuan Qin, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

This presentation is based on findings from an investigator-initiated trial (IIT, NCT04561557) led by Professor Wei Wang's team from the Department of Neurology at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, which aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Equecabtagene Autoleucel in the treatment of relapsed/refractory antibody-mediated idiopathic inflammatory disorders of the nervous system.

This study enrolled five patients with PMS, including 1 with primary progressive MS (PPMS) and 4 with secondary progressive MS (SPMS).

Efficacy

• The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score improved from 6.2 at baseline to 5.0 at the last Visit;
• The mean 9-HPT times decreased from 51.3 (left) and 40.9 seconds (right) to 35.9 and 27.8 seconds, respectively;
• The mean T25-FW times decreased from 27.3 seconds to 15.7 seconds;
• MRI revealed no new or enlarged T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions or T2 hyperintense lesions in any of the patients.

Safety

• Four of five patients experienced transient grade 1 CRS;
• No ICANS or other neurologic toxic effects were observed post infusion;
• Only grade ≥3 neutropenia and lymphocyte count decreased were observed, with no occurrences of grade ≥3 anemia or thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion: Anti-BCMA CAR T cells are well tolerated and highly effective in treating progressive MS, demonstrated by the improvement in physical function and the resolution of OCBs and kappa free light chains in CSF.

About Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Eque-cel)

Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Eque-cel) is an innovative fully human anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy which uses lentivirus as a gene vector to transfect autologous T cells. The CAR contains a fully human scFv, CD8a hinge and transmembrane, and 4-1BB co-stimulatory and CD3ζactivation domains. Based on rigorous molecular structure screening and comprehensive in vitro and in vivo functional evaluations, Eque-cel demonstrates rapid and potent efficacy, accompanied by exceptional long-term persistence in vivo, enabling patients to achieve higher and deeper responses.

About IASO Bio

Founded in 2017, IASO Bio is a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cutting-edge cell therapies and biologics. Initially focused on treatments for blood cancers, the company has strategically expanded into autoimmune diseases.

IASO Bio boasts a robust drug development platform, encompassing early discovery to clinical trials, regulatory approval, and commercialization. The company is advancing a diverse pipeline of over 10 innovative products. Notably, Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Fucaso®), the world's first fully human CAR-T therapy developed by IASO Bio was approved by Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in June 2023 for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). The product has also been approved in Macau China; and its New Drug Application (NDA) in Hong Kong China, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia are currently under review; It has also received Orphan Drug Designation in South Korea; Registration efforts in other countries are also steadily progressing. This product is also in Phase III clinical trials for second and third-line multiple myeloma (MM) and has received Investigational New Drug (IND) approvals in both China and US for autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, the dual-target (CD19/CD22) product, CT120, for lymphoma was approved for Phase II clinical trials. Additionally, IASO118, another product targeting GPRC5D for the treatment of R/R MM, has received IND approval in China.

In addition to CAR-T therapies, IASO Bio is advancing IASO-782, a fully human anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody. This product has secured IND approvals in China and USA for several autoimmune diseases, with plans to explore additional autoimmune indications.

IASO Bio has established multiple global collaborations and licensing agreements with leading cell therapy companies, such as Sana Therapeutics, CabalettaBio, and Umoja Biopharma, underscoring its superior technology platform and commitment to next-generation cell therapies.

With a strong management team and execution capabilities, a robust pipeline, high-standard manufacturing and advanced clinical development capabilities, the company is well-positioned to drive innovation. It remains committed to accelerating the development of transformative therapies that address unmet medical needs for patients worldwide.

SOURCE IASO Bio