Octane Biotech and Currus Biologics have automated CUR-001 manufacturing on Octane’s Cocoon platform, preparing the experimental CAR T-cell therapy for a Phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumours. The companies said on October 26, 2026, that the first patient is expected to receive a dose in early 2027.
Key Takeaways
- The FDA cleared Currus’ application to begin the first-in-human trial in September 2026.
- The automated process has been transferred to Cell Therapies’ Melbourne facility, where trial supplies will be made.
CUR-001 manufacturing moves to a closed system
The companies transferred the production process to Cocoon, an automated, closed system designed to manufacture patient-specific cell therapies. They said the move reduced hands-on operator time and the amount of viral vector needed per batch, lowering manufacturing costs.
The transfer has also been completed at the Melbourne facility of contract manufacturer Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, which will produce CUR-001 for the Phase 1 study. The companies did not disclose figures for the time or cost reductions.
Octane and Currus plan to continue working together as the programme progresses through clinical development, with the aim of maintaining a reproducible process for future requirements.
Trial will test an experimental solid tumour therapy
The open-label, first-in-human Phase 1 basket trial is intended for patients with mesothelin-positive advanced refractory solid tumours. FDA clearance of the investigational new drug application allows the trial to begin; it is not an approval of the therapy for general use.
CUR-001 combines an autologous CAR T-cell therapy, made using a patient’s own cells and targeting mesothelin, with a bispecific antibody from Currus’ BEAT platform. The design is intended to activate CAR T-cells and counter conditions in the tumour environment that can suppress their activity.
Next milestone
The next expected milestone is first patient dosing in the Phase 1 trial, currently anticipated in early 2027.
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