ZI-MA4-1 cell therapy for hard-to-treat solid cancers
Official title: A Phase 1, Dose-Escalation, Open-Label Study, Evaluating the Safety and Tolerability of ZI-MA4-1, a TCR-NK Cell Therapy, in HLA-A*02:01 Positive Patients With Inoperable, Locally Advanced, or Metastatic MAGE-A4 Expressing Solid Malignancies
Run by Zelluna Immunotherapy AS · NCT07613723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This early-stage trial tests ZI-MA4-1, an allogeneic cell therapy, in patients with inoperable locally advanced or metastatic ovarian cancer, squamous NSCLC, synovial sarcoma, or head and neck cancer to see if it is safe and tolerable and to find a recommended dose.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 9 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Zelluna Immunotherapy AS Industry-sponsored |
| Drugs / interventions | immunotherapy, cyclophosphamide, fludarabine |
| Locations | 2 sites (London and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 11, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2032 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07613723 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are HLA-A*02:01 positive patients with measurable, inoperable locally advanced or metastatic ovarian cancer, squamous NSCLC, synovial sarcoma, or head and neck cancer expressing MAGE-A4, who have progressed after at least 2 prior cancer therapies and ECOG 0-1.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without the specified biomarkers, with uncomplicated disease progression requiring immediate standard therapy, or with poor performance status may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 1 study will enroll patients with select inoperable or metastatic solid tumors who have limited treatment options. It uses ZI-MA4-1, a TCR-NK cell product, given with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine as a lymphodepleting regimen. Part A employs up to four dose-escalation cohorts to determine the maximum tolerated dose and identify a RP2D, while Part B expands to further evaluate the RP2D in one or more indications. Eligibility requires specific tumor markers (HLA-A*02:01 and MAGE-A4 expression), measurable disease, prior lines of therapy, and adequate performance status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could offer a new option for patients with limited alternatives and potentially improve outcomes in these cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials with similar cell-based approaches have shown safety signals but efficacy remains exploratory at Phase 1/early Phase 2 stages.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * HLA-A\*02:01 positive * Tumour(s) show expression of the MAGE-A4 protein above a defined threshold * Histopathological or cytological diagnosis of inoperable Locally Advanced or Metastatic malignant disease: ovarian cancer, squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), synovial sarcoma or head and neck cancer. * No approved therapy with demonstrated clinical benefit is indicated or available to treat the patient, or the patient is intolerant of or has refused standard of care therapy. * Documented imaging confirmed disease progression while on or within 6 months after the end of the most recent therapy. * Participant must have received ≥2 prior lines of cancer therapy except for patient with synovial sarcoma for whom ≥1 prior lines of cancer therapy. * Measurable disease according to RECIST v1.1 criteria. * ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 with no deterioration over the previous 2 weeks, and an anticipated life expectancy of \>3 months * Female participants are eligible to participate if they are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Woman of childbearing potential must have negative pregnancy test and agree to use an effective contraceptive method. Other protocol defined inclusion criteria could apply. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients have received any prior cellular or gene therapy. * Receiving experimental investigational products within 4 weeks of lymphodepletion. * Recent therapies (within up to 4 weeks prior to lymphodepletion) including biologic agents (such as monoclonal antibodies), anti-cancer immunotherapy (such as monoclonal antibodies against PD-1 receptor or ligand). * Residual toxicities ≥2 CTCAE grade due to prior therapy, that in the opinion of the investigator may interfere with study conduct. * Any other active malignancy besides the tumour under study within 3 years prior to screening except for in situ removal of basal cell carcinoma or adequately treated cervix carcinoma in-situ. * Active or documented history of autoimmune disease or any other diseases requiring immunosuppressive therapy or corticosteroid therapy. Physiological replacement, topical, and inhaled steroids are permitted. * Significant CNS disorders. * Myocardial infarction, cardiac angioplasty or stenting, cardiac arrhythmia requiring medication, unstable angina, New York Heart Association Class II or greater congestive heart failure, cardiac atrial or ventricular lymphoma involvement, or other clinically significant cardiac disease within 6 months of enrolment. * Active fungal, bacterial viral, or other infection requiring intravenous antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medication within 7 days prior to lymphodepletion. * Received or planned to receive a live vaccine ≤6 weeks before the planned start date of lymphodepletion. * Severe or uncontrolled medical condition (e.g., severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease , severe Parkinson's disease, active inflammatory bowel disease) or psychiatric condition, which in the opinion of the investigator would interfere with study activities. * Active bleeding diatheses, including but not limited to therapeutic anticoagulation, and treatment with major surgery within 28 days before lymphodepletion (minor surgical procedures such as lymph node biopsy/excision or catheter placement are permitted). * Patients have significant immunosuppression * Known significant hepatic or biliary abnormalities. Active infection with hepatitis B, hepatitis C. * Any medical, psychological, or social condition, drug or alcohol abuse that would make it difficult for the patient to participate in the study and comply with the study procedures, restrictions, and requirements. * History of allergic reactions to compounds chemically or biologically similar to cyclophosphamide, fludarabine or other agents used in the study * QTc \> 450 msec for male participants or \> 470 msec for female participants * Medical conditions, such as anti-coagulation, which is not suitable for reversal which, at the opinion of the investigator, preclude or make the patient a poor candidate for biopsy. * Personal history of allergies or intolerance to local anaesthetic. * Recent treatment with immunosuppressive agents * Residual toxicities ≥2 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade due to prior therapy, that in the opinion of the investigator may interfere with study conduct Other protocol defined exclusion criteria could apply.
Where it's running
-
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
London, United Kingdom Recruiting -
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zelluna Immunotherapy
- Email: ctinfo@zelluna.com
- Phone: +47 413 80 080
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
CAIX-targeted 18F-T2 PET/CT imaging in solid tumors
This study tests a CAIX-specific radioactive tracer to see if PET/CT can help visualize solid tumors and checks safety and radiation exposure in adults with certain cancers.
-
Riluzole to prevent thinking and memory problems during chemotherapy
This pilot trial tests whether riluzole can prevent thinking and memory problems in adults with cancer receiving anthracycline- or platinum-based chemotherapy.
-
Collecting blood and leftover tumor tissue to test molecular residual disease (MRD) detection
This project will test whether blood and leftover tumor tissue from adults with certain solid tumors can be used with Natera's MRD blood tests to find tiny amounts of cancer (ctDNA) after treatment.
-
Testing trastuzumab deruxtecan (T‑DxD) for HER2‑positive advanced solid tumors
This will test whether trastuzumab deruxtecan (T‑DxD) helps adults in the US with HER2‑positive (IHC 3+) locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic solid tumors who have had prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative options.
-
Virtual exercise program to preserve function and prevent disability during chemotherapy
This trial tests whether supervised resistance sessions by video plus short home aerobic workouts help adults 18–64 maintain strength and stay active while receiving curative-intent chemotherapy.
-
ImmunoPET imaging for solid tumors targeting Trop2
This study is testing a new imaging method to see if it can help diagnose solid tumors like bladder and prostate cancer better than current methods.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.