NCT05086692 · Medicenna Therapeutics, Inc.
A Beta-only IL-2 ImmunoTherapY Study
(ABILITY-1)
What this study is about
This is a Phase 1/2, multi-center, where both patients and doctors know the treatment given, gradually increasing doses and expansion study to evaluate safety and how well patients handle the treatment, PK, how the drug affects the body, and early signal of anti-tumor activity of MDNA11 alone or in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced solid tumors.
View original scientific description
This is a Phase 1/2, multi-center, open-label, dose-escalation and expansion study to evaluate safety and tolerability, PK, pharmacodynamic, and early signal of anti-tumor activity of MDNA11 alone or in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Interventions
DRUG
MDNA11
MDNA11 will be administered, IV on a once every 2 weeks (Q2W) dosing schedule. Provisional dose cohorts for monotherapy dose escalation doses ranging from 0.003 to 0.6 (mg/kg): until determining the monotherapy Recommended Dose for Expansion (mRDE).
DRUG
Pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®)
MDNA11 will be administered in combination with pembrolizumab, IV. MDNA11 dose range to be evaluated in combination with pembrolizumab until determining the combination Recommended Dose for Expansion (cRDE).
Primary outcome measures
MDNA11 Recommended Dose for Expansion for monotherapy (mRDE) and Recommended Dose for Expansion for combination (cRDE)
Time frame: 24 months
Evaluation of tolerability as measured by number of patients with dose limiting toxicities (DLTs)
Incidence of Treatment Related Adverse Events (TRAEs)
Time frame: 24 months
Rate of TRAEs in patients with advanced solid tumors
Incidence of Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs)
Time frame: 24 months
Rate of TEAEs in patients with advanced solid tumors
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Aged at least 18 years (inclusive at the time of informed consent).
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status of 0 to 1.
- Must be able and willing to provide written informed consent prior to start of any study procedures and assessments and must be willing to comply with all study procedures.
- Histologically or cytologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic solid tumor (see tumor types listed under conditions)
- Demonstrated adequate organ function
- Measurable disease as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, (RECIST v1.1) and documented by CT and/or MRI.
- Life expectancy of ≥ 12 weeks.
- Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and within 72 hours before the first dose of study drug(s). Women must not be breastfeeding.
- Agree to use highly effective contraception methods. WOCBP must agree to use highly effective birth control. Key
Exclusion criteria
- Last administration of prior antitumor therapy:
- Prior systemic anti-cancer therapy including investigational agents within 4 weeks (could consider shorter interval for kinase inhibitors or other short half-life drugs) prior to start of treatment.
- Prior radiotherapy within 2 weeks prior to start of treatment or has had a history of radiation pneumonitis. A 1-week washout is required for palliative radiation (\<2 weeks of radiotherapy) to non-CNS disease.
- Radiation therapy to the lung that is \> 30Gy within 6 months prior to start of treatment.
- Currently participating in or has participated in a study of an investigational agent or has used an investigational device within 4 weeks prior to start of treatment. Concomitant participation in an observational study must be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the MM for approval.
- Has known active CNS metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis. Patients with previously treated brain metastases may participate provided they are radiologically stable, i.e., without evidence of progression for at least 4 weeks by repeat imaging (note that the repeat imaging should be performed during study screening), clinically stable and without requirement of steroid treatment for at least 14 days prior to start of treatment, subject to discussion with MM.
- Active malignancy (other than the disease under treatment in the study) within the previous 3 years except for curable cancers.
- Condition requiring long-term systemic treatment with either corticosteroids \> 10 mg daily prednisone equivalent or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to start of treatment.
- Clinically significant active, known or suspected autoimmune disease, or diseases that can be exacerbated with immunotherapy.
- Severe pulmonary, cardiac or other systemic disease.
- Known hepatitis B or C virus infection.
- Females who are pregnant or lactating or planning to become pregnant during the study.
- Has had an allogeneic tissue/solid organ transplant.
- Active infection requiring systemic therapy.
- Any medical, emotional or psychiatric condition that interfere with the patient's ability to adhere to the protocol
- Any other underlying medical conditions that, in the Investigator's opinion, will make the administration of study drug(s) unsafe or obscure the interpretation of toxicity determination or adverse events.
- Known severe hypersensitivity to any component of study drug(s).
- Inability to comply with study and follow up procedures as judged by the Investigator.
Where
- San Diego, California
- San Francisco, California
- Santa Monica, California
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Detroit, Michigan
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 9, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations