Marker Therapeutics Posts 66% Response Rate, Secures $17M to Fund Runway Through Q4
Marker Therapeutics reported a 66% objective response rate in relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma with 50% complete responses in its Phase 1 APOLLO study, and expects dose expansion data in Q2 2026. The company ended 2025 with $17 million cash, funding operations through the fourth quarter of 2026.
1. Strong Phase 1 APOLLO Responses
The Phase 1 APOLLO study of MT-601 in relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma showed an objective response rate of 66% (8/12 patients), including 50% complete responses and durable remissions lasting 3–24 months. A 78% response rate was observed in Hodgkin lymphoma, with no dose-limiting toxicities or ICANS reported, and the trial has moved into a 400×10⁶ cell dose expansion in relapsed DLBCL.
2. Pancreatic Cancer Program Advancement
Early 2026 multi-antigen T cell data in pancreatic cancer demonstrated up to an 84.6% disease control rate when combined with frontline chemotherapy and a favorable safety profile. Marker plans to initiate its company-sponsored pancreatic cancer clinical program in the second quarter of 2026, leveraging NIH and CPRIT funding.
3. Manufacturing Expansion and Board Update
Marker expanded its manufacturing capabilities through a collaboration with Cellipont Bioservices to advance cGMP production of MT-601, with technical transfer expected by Q2 2026. Kathryn Penkus Corzo, R.Ph., MBA, was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2025 to bolster governance expertise.
4. Year-End Financial Position and Runway
As of December 31, 2025, Marker held $17 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, projected to fund operations through Q4 2026. R&D expenses were $11.8 million versus $13.5 million in 2024, G&A remained at $4.2 million, and net loss widened to $12.2 million from $10.7 million the prior year.