Allogene And Foresight Collaborate To Develop MRD Test For Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech company focused on allogeneic CAR T therapies, has further expanded its collaboration with Foresight Diagnostics, Inc. to develop a sensitive minimal residual disease (MRD) assay as a companion diagnostic. The purpose of this test is to identify all patients diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Those patients may greatly benefit from treatment with cemacabtagene ansegedleucel (cema-cel). 

“The continued collaboration with Foresight Diagnostics strengthens our commitment to advancing next-generation cancer therapies by integrating MRD detection as a powerful tool in patient care. We believe that this strategic expansion will help accelerate the development and potential approval of cema-cel as we continue our mission to transform the LBCL treatment landscape for patients beyond the United States,” said David Chang, M.D., PhD, President, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Allogene. “

Under the revised agreement, Allogene and Foresight will co-develop the MRD assay in the EU, UK, Canada, and Australia to support the ALPHA3 trial, which evaluates cema-cel as a first-line treatment to improve LBCL cure rates. The assay will detect MRD-positive patients at high risk of relapse, allowing them to receive a one-time consolidation dose of cema-cel. Allogene will invest $37.3 million in the MRD assay’s development, regulatory submissions, and clinical testing. Both companies will work toward securing regulatory approvals and advancing their joint development plan.