Phase 1/2 DJI136 (LB2102) DLL3-targeted autologous CAR‑T for extensive-stage SCLC.

This Phase 1/2, open-label, non-randomized, multi-center study sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals is testing DJI136 (also described as LB2102), an autologous CAR‑T cell therapy engineered to recognize DLL3 on tumor cells; DLL3 is highly prevalent in SCLC (commonly reported ~80%+), making it a rational surface target for cellular therapy. The Phase 1 portion dose-escalates DJI136 to define the recommended dose(s) and characterize safety/tolerability and early efficacy in relapsed/refractory ES‑SCLC after at least 1 prior chemotherapy regimen (the listing notes prior platinum-doublet chemo plus a PD‑L1 inhibitor per local practice unless not eligible). The Phase 2 portion then treats DLL3-therapy–naïve ES‑SCLC at the recommended dose(s) to better estimate activity and safety. The key angle is bringing a DLL3-directed CAR‑T approach into a disease where today’s front-line care is platinum–etoposide plus a PD‑L1 inhibitor (atezolizumab or durvalumab), and post-progression options are limited (often lurbinectedin, topotecan, or clinical trials), so durable responses from a cell therapy would be commercially and clinically meaningful.