EBNK-001 Allogeneic NK Cells With Low-Dose IL-15 ± Pembrolizumab in Advanced Solid Tumors
An Open-Label Phase 1/2 Study of EBNK-001, an Allogeneic Natural Killer (NK) Cell Therapy Administered After Cyclophosphamide/Fludarabine Lymphodepletion With Low-Dose Interleukin-15, With or Without Pembrolizumab, in Participants With Advanced Solid Tumors
Essen Biotech
83 participants
Feb 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This Phase 1/2 study evaluates the safety, tolerability, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of EBNK-001 (allogeneic NK cells) given after lymphodepleting cyclophosphamide/fludarabine (CY/FLU) and supported with low-dose IL-15, administered either alone or in combination with pembrolizumab in adults with advanced/metastatic solid tumors. The study will determine a recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) and explore signals of clinical activity using RECIST-based response criteria.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria11
- Age ≥18 years.
- Histologically confirmed advanced/metastatic solid tumor that is relapsed/refractory after standard therapy (or no standard therapy available).
- Measurable disease per RECIST v1.1 (or iRECIST if applicable).
- ECOG performance status 0-1 (or 0-2 as allowed).
- Adequate organ function (thresholds modeled on NK protocols):
- Platelets ≥ 75,000/µL; hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL; ANC ≥ 1,000/µL (unsupported by growth factors/transfusions as defined).
- eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m².
- AST/ALT ≤ 3× ULN.
- Oxygen saturation ≥ 90% on room air (with PFT requirements if indicated).
- LVEF ≥ 40% (by ECHO/MUGA/CMR).
- If brain metastases are present, they must be stable for a defined period (example: ≥3 months) and not requiring escalating steroids.
Exclusion Criteria9
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Any condition requiring systemic immunosuppression (e.g., \>5 mg prednisone/day or equivalent) during dosing window (topical/inhaled may be allowed).
- Active autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression.
- Uncontrolled bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
- Receipt of investigational agent within 28 days before first study drug.
- Live vaccine within 6 weeks prior to lymphodepletion.
- Known HIV positivity or active hepatitis B/C with detectable viral load (protocol may allow chronic asymptomatic hepatitis depending on risk plan).
- Known allergy to investigational product components (example: albumin/human or DMSO).
- Any medical/social condition likely to interfere with study compliance or increase risk.
Interventions
Biological: EBNK-001 (Allogeneic NK Cells) Dose levels (example): 1×10\^8; 3×10\^8; 9×10\^8 viable cells/infusion Schedule: weekly infusions on Days 1, 8, and 15 (per cycle) Drug: Cyclophosphamide (CY) lymphodepletion: 300 mg/m² IV daily ×2 days (Cycle 1 only) Drug: Fludarabine (FLU) Example lymphodepletion: 25 mg/m² IV daily ×2 days (Cycle 1 only) Drug: Interleukin-15 (IL-15) Low-dose IL-15 given after NK cell infusion to support NK cell survival dose used in NK protocols: 6 MIU per dose Drug: Pembrolizumab Pembrolizumab administered per standard prescribing schedule
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07410676