Carisma Therapeutics Reveals Promising Data on Engineered Macrophages for Liver Fibrosis

New preclinical results support the anti-fibrotic potential of engineered macrophages in multiple fibrosis models

Engineered TIM4-expressing macrophages correct defective efferocytosis in MASH, demonstrating potent anti-fibrotic activity

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Carisma Therapeutics Inc. CARM (“Carisma”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced exciting preclinical data on engineered macrophages intended for liver fibrosis treatment. This was shared at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting® 2024. The findings highlight the effectiveness of Carisma’s engineered macrophages across multiple liver fibrosis models, showcasing a new treatment avenue for patients grappling with fibrotic liver diseases, including advanced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Liver fibrosis plays a crucial role in various liver diseases like MASH, acute liver injury, and primary biliary cholangitis. Currently, there are limited treatment options for patients with advanced liver disease. This disease is marked by ineffective efferocytosis, which involves macrophages clearing away dead liver cells, and leads to the activation of hepatic stellate cells responsible for collagen build-up and chronic inflammation.

Recent preclinical studies have shown that macrophages can be genetically modified to utilize key pathways associated with liver disease, particularly through factors such as TIM4 (which restores efferocytosis), relaxin (which inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation), and IL10 (which reduces inflammation). Remarkably, a single dose of TIM4-expressing macrophages, alone or in conjunction with relaxin, resulted in significantly reduced liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation in the choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) model of MASH. Furthermore, these engineered macrophages showed superior performance and tolerability compared to non-engineered counterparts across all models studied.

“We are excited to showcase compelling preclinical findings that highlight the therapeutic promise of our engineered macrophages in addressing the significant challenge of liver fibrosis, especially in advanced MASH cases,” stated Michael Klichinsky, PharmD, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Carisma. “These results affirm the effectiveness of our engineered macrophages as a distinct, readily available treatment approach.” Carisma is dedicated to furthering its liver fibrosis research based on these positive results.

The company plans to identify a development candidate for its liver fibrosis program by the first quarter of 2025.

The presentation from AASLD 2024 is accessible online in the “Publications” section of Carisma’s website at https://carismatx.com/technology/publications/.

About Carisma Therapeutics

Carisma Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the innovative application of macrophage and monocyte cell engineering to develop groundbreaking immunotherapies for cancer and other serious illnesses. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Carisma is committed to advancing its differentiated cell therapy platform focused on engineered macrophages and monocytes, crucial players in the innate and adaptive immune response. For more information, please visit www.carismatx.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may relate to anticipated research and development activities, potential efficacy and benefits of product candidates, and expected clinical trial outcomes. Such statements are considered predictions based on the Company’s current expectations and various assumptions. While Carisma considers its forecasts to be reasonable, there are inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to significantly differ. These risks are detailed in Carisma’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investors:
Shveta Dighe
Head of Investor Relations
investors@carismatx.com

Media Contact:
Julia Stern
(763) 350-5223
jstern@realchemistry.com

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SOURCE Carisma Therapeutics Inc.