AbClon’s CAR-T candidate ‘강원 랜드 바카라’ targets expanded indications for blood cancers FL and MZL

[by Ji, Yong Jun] AbClon announced on April 10 its plans to expand the indications for its CAR-T treatment candidate, ‘강원 랜드 바카라,’ to include follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). The company aims to secure domestic investigational new drug (IND) clinical trial plan approval within the year.

강원 랜드 바카라 is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials in Korea for the treatment of hematological cancer diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). By expanding its indications, the company intends to enhance the therapeutic’s competitiveness and solidify its position in the Korean and global CAR-T treatment market.

The CD19-targeted CAR-T treatment ‘강원 랜드 바카라’ is developed using AbClon’s proprietary platform technology. Phase 2 clinical trials targeting DLBCL patients, a subgroup that accounts for more than 40% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) cases, are progressing smoothly. The company plans to pursue an accelerated approval process in H1 2025.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) represent over 25% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) cases globally, with approximately 1,500 new diagnoses reported annually in Korea. Both are hematologic malignancies characterized by CD19 expression, making them suitable candidates for CAR-T therapy. AbClon anticipates that 강원 랜드 바카라 will offer an effective treatment option for both Korean medical and healthcare providers and patients, leveraging its efficacy and mechanism of action to secure a relative advantage in treatment efficacy.

The company emphasized that the expansion of indications also holds strategic importance for its global technology licensing efforts. While the global CD19 CAR-T treatment market is experiencing rapid growth of more than 30% annually, FL and MZL remain relatively untapped in this market. By generating clinical data for FL and MZL in addition to DLBCL, 강원 랜드 바카라 has the potential to address multiple indications through a single pipeline.

“The expanded therapeutic application, securing original technology, and flexibility in clinical trial design are key elements that will enable AbClon to gain a strategic advantage in the global market,” an AbClon official stated. “강원 랜드 바카라 is a next-generation gene and cell therapy that addresses the fundamental limitations of existing CAR-T treatments.”

“The expansion of indications is part of a dual strategy aimed at broadening treatment opportunities for Korean patients while simultaneously laying a practical foundation for global technology out-licensing,” the official further commented.