Poolbeg Pharma has presented two posters at the European Hematology Association Congress highlighting preclinical research on POLB 001, including findings supporting its investigation as a preventative treatment for cytokine release syndrome and its potential application in acute myeloid leukaemia.

One poster, presented by Poolbeg, examined the effects of POLB 001 on cytokine release syndrome associated with bispecific antibody therapies. According to the company, preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the investigational treatment reduced several cytokines linked to the syndrome while not affecting tumour cell killing induced by bispecific antibodies.

The company reported reductions in tumour necrosis factor, interferon gamma and interleukin-6 in an in vivo model of bispecific antibody-induced cytokine release syndrome, supporting continued evaluation of POLB 001 as a potential preventative approach.

A second poster, presented by researchers at The University of Manchester, explored the use of POLB 001 in combination with azacitidine in aged mouse models of acute myeloid leukaemia. The findings provide early preclinical evidence that inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway may enhance the activity of azacitidine in this setting.

The research also suggests acute myeloid leukaemia could represent a future development opportunity for POLB 001 beyond its current focus on cytokine release syndrome.

Liam Tremble, principal scientist at Poolbeg Pharma, said: “This novel data in CRS reinforces the potential of POLB 001 to address one of the most significant challenges associated with cancer immunotherapy.”

He added: “The results in preclinical models of AML generated and being presented at EHA by the University are highly encouraging and point to the potential clinical utility of POLB 001 beyond CRS.”

Poolbeg is currently evaluating POLB 001 in the TOPICAL clinical trial, which is investigating the candidate as a preventative treatment for cytokine release syndrome in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma receiving the bispecific antibody teclistamab.