Evidence suggests that Epstein-Barr virus is strongly involved with the pathogenesis of MS2. Therefore, the current trial assessed ATA188 as a potential therapy for patients with progressive MS. ATA188 is an investigational off-the-shelf, allogeneic Epstein-Barr virus targeted T-cell immunotherapy. In total, 25 patients with progressive MS followed a 12-month dose escalation protocol of ATA188. Hereafter, patients were invited to enter a 4 year OLE period. Dr Douglas Arnold (McGill University, Canada) presented preliminary data of the study. SDI was demonstrated in 7 out of 24 patients at 12 months.
The OLE was entered by 6 out of 7 patients who achieved SDI and 12 out of 17 patients who did not achieve SDI. During the OLE, 2 non-SDI patients improved to SDI. MTRs, an MRI marker of myelin density, improved significantly in patients who achieved sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) improvement at any time. MTR rates significantly improved in T2 lesions and numerically improved in normal appearing brain tissue. No worrisome safety issues were observed.