OT-C001 (amplified/activated donor natural killer cells) for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma

A First-in-human, Open-label, Clinical Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, and Activity of OT-C001 (Amplified/Activated Allogenic Natural Killer Cells) in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Phase 1 Interventional Emercell SAS · NCT07044050

This treatment will try weekly doses of OT-C001 (activated donor natural killer cells) together with rituximab and IL‑2 in adults whose diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma has relapsed or is refractory, to find a safe dose and look for early signs of benefit.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEmercell SAS Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsCAR T, immunotherapy, rituximab, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Montpellier)
Trial IDNCT07044050 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This first-in-human Phase 1 dose-escalation program gives a short course of chemotherapy to prepare patients, then administers weekly doses of OT-C001 for either 3 or 6 weeks alongside rituximab and intermittent low-dose IL‑2 to support NK-cell activity. The primary objective is safety and selection of a recommended dose, with close monitoring of adverse events, laboratory parameters, and pharmacodynamics. Tumor responses and other signs of anti-lymphoma activity are exploratory endpoints to inform later studies. Participants will need frequent clinic visits and may require short hospital stays per the study plan.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with histologically confirmed relapsed or refractory DLBCL‑NOS, evaluable disease, adequate baseline labs, ECOG 0–1, life expectancy >3 months, and no remaining standard treatment options (including those relapsing after or ineligible for CAR‑T) are appropriate candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with rapidly progressing disease involving massive uncontrolled effusions, pulmonary lymphangitis, >50% liver involvement, unresolved immune‑related toxicities >grade 1, recent major surgery, concurrent antitumor therapy, or recent live vaccination are unlikely to benefit or may be ineligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If safe and active, OT‑C001 could provide an off‑the‑shelf immune cell therapy option that shrinks tumors in some patients who have exhausted standard treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other allogeneic 'off‑the‑shelf' NK‑cell programs have shown early signals of safety and occasional responses in small cohorts, but OT‑C001 as a first‑in‑human agent is novel and unproven.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years of age
* histologically confirmed diagnosis of R/R DLBCL-NOS without further standard treatment options including those relapsing after or ineligible for CAR T-cell therapy
* with evaluable disease
* with adequate biological parameters at baseline
* ECOG performance status ≤1
* life expectancy \>3 months as assessed by the investigator

Exclusion Criteria:

* Receive concomitantly any antitumor-directed drug therapy
* Any vaccination with live virus vaccines before or during treatment
* With severe atopic predisposition who need a treatment with monoclonal antibodies, allergen immunotherapy, or long-term systemic corticosteroids
* Major surgery within 3 weeks
* With rapidly progressing disease that includes massive uncontrolled pleural, pericardial, or peritoneal effusions, pulmonary lymphangitis, and over 50% liver involvement
* Ongoing immune-related tocivities or adverse events grade \>1 not resolved from previous therapies except vitiligo, stable neuropathy up to grade 2, hair loss, and stable endocrinopathies with substitutive hormone therapy
* Documented history of active autoimmune disorders requiring systemic immunosuppressive therapy within the last 12 months
* Primary or secondary immune deficiency
* Active and uncontrolled infections requiring intravenous antibiotic or antiviral treatment
* Seropositive (except after vaccination or confirmed cure for hepatitis) for HIV, HBV, or HCV
* Clinically significant cardiac disease including heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, pre-existing arrhythmia, uncontrolled angina pectoris, or myocardial infarction within 12 months
* Dementia or altered mental status that would prohibit informed consent
* Other malignancy within the last 3 years except adequately treated nonmelanoma skin cancer, in situ carcinoma of the uterine cervix, or myelodysplastic syndromes

Where this trial is running

Montpellier

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma With no Other Specification
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.