AI Drug Discovery for Pharma and Biotech

Drug discovery

67

drugs

With orphan designations

Overview

Follicular Lymphoma (FL) is an indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by slow progression, frequent relapses, and incurability. It primarily affects older adults (median age 60–65) and is often diagnosed at advanced stages (III/IV). FL involves CD20+ B-cells with chromosomal t(14;18) translocations in 85% of cases, driving BCL2 overexpression [1][7][12]. Treatment strategies range from watchful waiting for asymptomatic patients to chemoimmunotherapy, targeted therapies (e.g., PI3K/EZH2 inhibitors), and emerging immunotherapies (e.g., CAR-T) [3][5][8]. The 5-year relative survival is 89.9%, but disease burden escalates with later treatment lines [2][4][9].

Population

  • Median age at diagnosis: 60–65 years; rare in patients <20 [1][12][17].

  • Slight female predominance (SEER data: 2.3 vs. 2.7/100,000) [2][12].

  • 70–85% present with advanced-stage disease (stage III/IV) [1][5][15].

Burden

  • Clinical: 34% mortality at 3-year follow-up for ≥3L therapy; 20% experience early progression (POD24) [4][9][14].

  • Treatment lines: 66% receive ≥2 lines, 34% ≥3 lines over 20 years [9][19].

  • Economic: Mean annual costs rise to €22,230/patient with later lines, driven by hospitalizations and novel therapies [4][14].

Therapies

  • First-line: Anti-CD20-based chemoimmunotherapy (e.g., R-CHOP, B-R) ± maintenance rituximab [3][8][13].

  • Relapsed/refractory: Targeted agents (e.g., tazemetostat, copanlisib), bispecific antibodies, or CAR-T therapy [3][5][18].

  • Observation: Used for asymptomatic, low-tumor-burden cases [6][15][16].

Categories: rare hematological diseases, rare neoplastic diseases, rare transplant-related disorders

Research Papers

3,411 drug discovery papers about Follicular lymphoma, with 2 first-in-class and 15 next-in-class emerging drug candidates forecasted to outperform the average preclinical success rate. Recent publications:

3,411 drug discovery papers about Follicular lymphoma, with 2 first-in-class and 15 next-in-class emerging drug candidates forecasted to outperform the average preclinical success rate. Recent publications:

2026-07-05 | Efficacy and safety of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by frequent relapses despite initial responsiveness to chemoimmunotherapy. CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown promising efficacy in relapsed or refractory disease, though safety concerns such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological events remain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in relapsed or refractory FL. A comprehensive search using six databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, was performed to identify relevant studies. Data on overall response rate (ORR), complete response rate (CRR), progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR), overall survival (OS), and adverse events, including CRS and neurological events, were extracted. Pooled estimates were calculated using the quality effects model. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251133655). Out of 2303 records initially identified, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled efficacy analysis demonstrated an ORR of 93.5% (95% CI: 86.3-98.3%) and a CRR of 84.5% (95% CI: 72.6-93.6%). Regarding safety outcomes, the pooled estimate for CRS of any grade was 61.4% (95% CI: 45.0-76.6%). For neurological events, it was 33.6% (95% CI: 13.4-57.1%). Subgroup analyses identified prior therapy lines and CAR construct design as sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, CD19 CAR T-cell therapy demonstrates high efficacy with a generally acceptable safety in relapsed or refractory FL, supporting its consideration for patients with limited treatment options while highlighting the need for further research on long-term outcomes.

Open article ↗



2026-06-30 | Rare Leukemic Phase of Follicular Lymphoma With a High-Risk Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) Score Treated With Bendamustine-Rituximab.

Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for approximately 20 to 30% of global cases. The leukemic phase is a rare presentation. It is often associated with high-risk characteristics, high tumor burden, slow progression, diagnostic challenges, and unfavorable prognosis. Risk stratification using the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) is crucial, since individuals classified as high-risk (FLIPI ≥3) have aggressive disease with inferior progression-free and overall survival outcomes. We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with extensive lymphadenopathy and leukocytosis, subsequently diagnosed with the leukemic phase of follicular lymphoma, with a FLIPI score of 3. She was treated with bendamustine and rituximab (BR regimen), along with supportive prophylaxis and growth factor support. The patient tolerated six cycles of the BR regimen with clinical enhancement and hematological stability. This case report emphasizes the pivotal role of integrating timely diagnostic evaluation, accurate risk stratification, and early incorporation of risk-adapted contemporary chemoimmunotherapy approaches in the management of the leukemic phase of follicular lymphoma, collectively leading to favorable patient outcomes.

Open article ↗



2026-06-24 | Ten-Year Outcomes after CAR T-Cell Therapy for B-Cell Lymphomas.

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a standard treatment for relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Long-term results and curative potential remain uncertain. We evaluated long-term outcomes in 38 patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (24 patients with large B-cell lymphoma and 14 with follicular lymphoma) who had been treated with CTL019 (now called tisagenlecleucel) - autologous T cells expressing CD19-directed, 4-1BB-costimulated chimeric receptors. Lymphoma-free survival was defined as the time from the tisagenlecleucel infusion to relapse or lymphoma-related death. The incidence of non-relapse-related death and second primary cancer was estimated with the Aalen-Johansen method. The data-cutoff date was October 1, 2025. At a median follow-up of 10.1 years (range, 7.9 to 11.5), no relapses had occurred beyond 5.4 years. The 10-year lymphoma-free survival was 32% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14 to 51) among patients with large B-cell lymphoma and 47% (95% CI, 20 to 71) among those with follicular lymphoma. In an analysis that included deaths from any cause, the 10-year progression-free survival was 17% (95% CI, 5 to 34) among patients with large B-cell lymphoma and 29% (95% CI, 9 to 52) among those with follicular lymphoma; the 10-year overall survival was 17% (95% CI, 5 to 34) and 50% (95% CI, 23 to 72), respectively. Persistent grade 2 or 3 neutropenia occurred in 2 patients (5%); no late anemia or thrombocytopenia was observed. A second primary cancer developed in 9 patients (10-year cumulative incidence, 21%). The 10-year non-relapse-related mortality was 18% (14% when deaths related to coronavirus disease 2019 were excluded). Higher CAR-transgene persistence appeared to be associated with long-term response. B-cell aplasia persisted in 44% of patients with a long-term response. Among patients with heavily pretreated B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a single infusion of tisagenlecleucel led to decade-long remissions (lymphoma-free survival) in approximately one third of the patients with large B-cell lymphomas and in nearly one half of those with follicular lymphoma. (Funded by the Richard Berman Family Innovations Center in CLL and Lymphomas and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02030834.).

Open article ↗



2026-07-05 | Efficacy and safety of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by frequent relapses despite initial responsiveness to chemoimmunotherapy. CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown promising efficacy in relapsed or refractory disease, though safety concerns such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological events remain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in relapsed or refractory FL. A comprehensive search using six databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, was performed to identify relevant studies. Data on overall response rate (ORR), complete response rate (CRR), progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR), overall survival (OS), and adverse events, including CRS and neurological events, were extracted. Pooled estimates were calculated using the quality effects model. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251133655). Out of 2303 records initially identified, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled efficacy analysis demonstrated an ORR of 93.5% (95% CI: 86.3-98.3%) and a CRR of 84.5% (95% CI: 72.6-93.6%). Regarding safety outcomes, the pooled estimate for CRS of any grade was 61.4% (95% CI: 45.0-76.6%). For neurological events, it was 33.6% (95% CI: 13.4-57.1%). Subgroup analyses identified prior therapy lines and CAR construct design as sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, CD19 CAR T-cell therapy demonstrates high efficacy with a generally acceptable safety in relapsed or refractory FL, supporting its consideration for patients with limited treatment options while highlighting the need for further research on long-term outcomes.

Open article ↗



2026-06-30 | Rare Leukemic Phase of Follicular Lymphoma With a High-Risk Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) Score Treated With Bendamustine-Rituximab.

Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for approximately 20 to 30% of global cases. The leukemic phase is a rare presentation. It is often associated with high-risk characteristics, high tumor burden, slow progression, diagnostic challenges, and unfavorable prognosis. Risk stratification using the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) is crucial, since individuals classified as high-risk (FLIPI ≥3) have aggressive disease with inferior progression-free and overall survival outcomes. We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with extensive lymphadenopathy and leukocytosis, subsequently diagnosed with the leukemic phase of follicular lymphoma, with a FLIPI score of 3. She was treated with bendamustine and rituximab (BR regimen), along with supportive prophylaxis and growth factor support. The patient tolerated six cycles of the BR regimen with clinical enhancement and hematological stability. This case report emphasizes the pivotal role of integrating timely diagnostic evaluation, accurate risk stratification, and early incorporation of risk-adapted contemporary chemoimmunotherapy approaches in the management of the leukemic phase of follicular lymphoma, collectively leading to favorable patient outcomes.

Open article ↗



2026-06-24 | Ten-Year Outcomes after CAR T-Cell Therapy for B-Cell Lymphomas.

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a standard treatment for relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Long-term results and curative potential remain uncertain. We evaluated long-term outcomes in 38 patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (24 patients with large B-cell lymphoma and 14 with follicular lymphoma) who had been treated with CTL019 (now called tisagenlecleucel) - autologous T cells expressing CD19-directed, 4-1BB-costimulated chimeric receptors. Lymphoma-free survival was defined as the time from the tisagenlecleucel infusion to relapse or lymphoma-related death. The incidence of non-relapse-related death and second primary cancer was estimated with the Aalen-Johansen method. The data-cutoff date was October 1, 2025. At a median follow-up of 10.1 years (range, 7.9 to 11.5), no relapses had occurred beyond 5.4 years. The 10-year lymphoma-free survival was 32% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14 to 51) among patients with large B-cell lymphoma and 47% (95% CI, 20 to 71) among those with follicular lymphoma. In an analysis that included deaths from any cause, the 10-year progression-free survival was 17% (95% CI, 5 to 34) among patients with large B-cell lymphoma and 29% (95% CI, 9 to 52) among those with follicular lymphoma; the 10-year overall survival was 17% (95% CI, 5 to 34) and 50% (95% CI, 23 to 72), respectively. Persistent grade 2 or 3 neutropenia occurred in 2 patients (5%); no late anemia or thrombocytopenia was observed. A second primary cancer developed in 9 patients (10-year cumulative incidence, 21%). The 10-year non-relapse-related mortality was 18% (14% when deaths related to coronavirus disease 2019 were excluded). Higher CAR-transgene persistence appeared to be associated with long-term response. B-cell aplasia persisted in 44% of patients with a long-term response. Among patients with heavily pretreated B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a single infusion of tisagenlecleucel led to decade-long remissions (lymphoma-free survival) in approximately one third of the patients with large B-cell lymphomas and in nearly one half of those with follicular lymphoma. (Funded by the Richard Berman Family Innovations Center in CLL and Lymphomas and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02030834.).

Open article ↗



Access all drug discovery articles and probability of success in trials forecasts:

Access all drug discovery articles and probability of success in trials forecasts:

Drug Discovery Landscape

67 orphan drug designations for Follicular lymphoma, including 21 approved therapies.

67 orphan drug designations for Follicular lymphoma, including 21 approved therapies.

Drug

Therapy type

Regulator

Orphan designation

Approval

Sponsor

microbiome-based therapeutic peptide cancer immunotherapy composed of 5 synthetic peptides

peptides

FDA

2026-05-20

Enterome SA

cell therapy product derived from an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donor and expressed anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor, T cell receptor of invariant natural killer T cells, and interleukin-15

cell therapies

FDA

2026-03-02

Shanghai Allovanta Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

surovatamig

antibodies

FDA

2026-02-20

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

small molecule bifunctional cereblon-dependent ligand directed degrader (LDD) of BCL6

small molecules

FDA

2026-02-13

Bristol Myers Squibb

Surovatamig

antibodies

EMA

2026-01-09

AstraZeneca AB

allogeneic CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetically modified CAR T cells targeting CD19 antigen

cell therapies

FDA

2025-04-04

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc.

Tafasitamab [Minjuvi]

antibodies

EMA

2025-02-26

2025-12-16

Incyte Biosciences Distribution B.V.

orally available BTK-targeting chimeric degradation activation compound designed to degrade wildtype BTK and multiple mutant forms

small molecules

FDA

2024-12-17

BeOne Medicines USA, Inc.

recombinant humanized anti-CD3/CD19 bispecific antibody

antibodies

FDA

2024-04-22

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.

Golcadomide hydrochloride

small molecules

EMA

2023-12-13

Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG

2-[(3S)-2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl]-4-{[(2-fluoro-4-{[3-(morpholin-4-yl)azetidin-1-yl]methyl} phenyl) methyl]amino}-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione-hydrogen chloride (1/1)

small molecules

FDA

2023-01-25

Celgene Coporation

zanubrutinib [Brukinsa]

small molecules

FDA

2022-11-08

2024-03-07

BeOne Medicines USA, Inc.

Imvotamab

antibodies

FDA

2022-10-31

IGM Biosciences, Inc.

Edited allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T Cells (CAR-T)

cell therapies

FDA

2022-09-01

Caribou Biosciences, Inc.

Odronextamab [Ordspono]

antibodies

EMA

2022-07-18

Regeneron Ireland Designated Activity Company

Epcoritamab [Tepkinly]

antibodies

EMA

2022-06-21

Abbvie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG

epcoritamab-bysp [Epkinly]

antibodies

FDA

2022-03-01

2024-06-26

Genmab US, Inc.

Anti- FcgammaRIIB Antibody

antibodies

FDA

2022-01-18

BioInvent International AB

Mosunetuzumab [Lunsumio]

antibodies

EMA

2021-11-12

2022-06-07

Roche Registration GmbH

Zandelisib

small molecules

FDA

2021-11-09

MEI Pharma, Inc.

Tisagenlecleucel [Kymriah]

cell therapies

EMA

2021-07-19

2022-05-03

Novartis Europharm Limited

an autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR) T-cell therapy expressing CD19/CD20 bi-specific CAR

cell therapies

FDA

2021-05-17

Janssen Research & Development, LLC

4-{4-{[6-(4-Chlorophenyl)spiro[3.5]non-6-en-7-yl]methyl}-piperazin-1-yl}-N-{{3-nitro-4-[((2S)-1,4-dioxan-2-ylmethyl)amino]phenyl}sulfonyl}-2-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yloxy)benzamide

small molecules

FDA

2021-01-19

Ascentage Pharma Group Inc.

tafasitamab-cxix [Monjuvi]

antibodies

FDA

2021-01-07

2025-06-18

Incyte Corporation

tisagenlecleucel [Kymriah]

cell therapies

FDA

2020-09-16

2022-05-27

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

umbralisib [Ukoniq]

small molecules

FDA

2020-03-04

2021-02-05

TG Therapeutics, Inc.

Parsaclisib

small molecules

FDA

2019-09-25

Incyte Corporation

apilimod dimesylate

small molecules

FDA

2019-07-01

AI Therapeutics, Inc.

6-{[(1R,2S)-2-aminocyclohexyl]amino-7-fluoro-4-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridin-3-one monocitrate

small molecules

FDA

2019-02-25

Wells Therapeutics, Inc.

mosunetuzumab-axgb [Lunsumio Velo]

antibodies

FDA

2018-12-17

2025-12-19

Genentech, Inc.

mosunetuzumab-axgb [Lunsumio]

antibodies

FDA

2018-12-17

2022-12-22

Genentech, Inc.

N-[5-(6-fluoro-8-{[4-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}-2-morpholinoquinazolin-4-yl)-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methanesulfonamide

small molecules

FDA

2018-10-10

Shanghai Yingli Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Lisocabtagene maraleucel [Breyanzi]

cell therapies

EMA

2018-05-25

Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG

Tazemetostat

small molecules

EMA

2018-03-21

Ipsen Pharma

avadomide

small molecules

FDA

2018-03-12

Celgene, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb

humanized IgG4-based anti-CD20 x anti-CD3 bispecific monoclonal antibody

antibodies

FDA

2018-01-25

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

tazemetostat [Tazverik]

small molecules

FDA

2017-11-14

2020-06-18

Epizyme, Inc.

GLUCOPYRANOSYL LIPID A

small molecules

EMA

2017-10-13

[INACTIVE] Immune Design Limited

lisocabtagene maraleucel [Breyanzi]

cell therapies

FDA

2017-09-07

2021-02-05

Juno Therapeutics, Inc., a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

pembrolizumab

antibodies

FDA

2017-06-06

Merck, Sharp & Dohme Corp

Glucopyranosyl lipid A stable emulsion

small molecules

FDA

2017-02-14

Immune Design Corp.

rituximab and recombinant human hyaluronidase [Rituxan SC]

antibodies

FDA

2016-08-22

2017-06-22

Genentech, Inc.

axicabtagene ciloleucel [Yescarta]

cell therapies

FDA

2016-04-25

2017-10-18

Kite Pharma, Inc.

Autologous T cells transduced with retroviral vector encoding an anti-CD19 CD28/CD3-zeta chimeric antigen receptor [Yescarta]

cell therapies

EMA

2015-11-11

2022-06-23

Kite Pharma EU B.V.

daratumumab

antibodies

FDA

2015-08-06

Janssen Research & Development, LLC

Obinutuzumab [Gazyvaro]

antibodies

EMA

2015-06-19

2016-06-15

Roche Registration GmbH

obinutuzumab [GAZYVA]

antibodies

FDA

2015-04-15

2016-02-26

Genentech Inc., a member of the Roche Group

copanlisib [ALIQOPA]

small molecules

FDA

2015-02-05

2017-09-14

Bayer US LLC

ibrutinib

small molecules

FDA

2014-09-08

Pharmacyclics, LLC

177Lu-tetraxetan-tetulomab

antibodies

EMA

2014-06-04

Nordic Nanovector AS

177Lu-tetraxetan-tetulomab

antibodies

FDA

2014-05-14

Nordic Nanovector AS

Ibrutinib [Imbruvica]

small molecules

EMA

2013-12-18

Janssen Cilag International

idelalisib [Zydelig]

small molecules

FDA

2013-09-26

2014-07-23

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

lenalidomide [Revlimid]

small molecules

FDA

2013-09-17

2019-05-28

Celgene Corporation

duvelisib [COPIKTRA]

small molecules

FDA

2013-08-01

2018-09-24

Secura Bio, Inc.

Duvelisib [Copiktra]

small molecules

EMA

2013-07-17

[INACTIVE] Verastem Europe GmbH

Idelalisib

small molecules

EMA

2013-07-17

Gilead Sciences International Limited

Lenalidomide [Revlimid]

small molecules

EMA

2013-01-24

Celgene Europe B.V.

humanized IgG1 monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody

antibodies

FDA

2011-05-26

MENTRIK Biotech, LLC

bortezomib

small molecules

FDA

2011-01-04

Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

dasiprotimut-T

vaccines

FDA

2009-10-28

Biovest International, Inc.

4, 5 dibromorhodamine methyl ester

small molecules

FDA

2008-10-30

Kiadis Pharma Netherlands B.V.

pralatrexate

small molecules

FDA

2008-10-20

Acrotech Biopharma LLC

Autologous tumor-derived immunoglobulin idiotype coupled to keyhole limpet haemocyanin

proteins

EMA

2006-08-28

Biovest Europe Limited

Recombinant histidine-tagged idiotype immunoglobulin Fab fragment of clonal B-cell receptors

proteins

EMA

2004-12-23

CellGenix GmbH

IODINE (131I) TOSITUMOMAB [Beximab]

antibodies

EMA

2003-02-14

Glaxosmithkline Research & Development Limited

IODINE (131I) TOSITUMOMAB [Beximab]

other

EMA

2003-02-14

Glaxosmithkline Research & Development Limited

Explority AI logo

228 Park Ave S,
New York, USA.

At Explority, we build first-of-its-kind AI to bring clarity to the earliest and riskiest stages of pharmaceutical research by forecasting which therapies are most likely to succeed. Explority AI web and mobile applications are properties of the Explority AI Inc., a company registered in the United States (File No. 10320493).
For all questions: support@explority.ai

Copyright © 2026 Explority AI Inc.

Explority AI logo

228 Park Ave S,
New York, USA.

At Explority, we build first-of-its-kind AI to bring clarity to the earliest and riskiest stages of pharmaceutical research by forecasting which therapies are most likely to succeed. Explority AI web and mobile applications are properties of the Explority AI Inc., a company registered in the United States (File No. 10320493).
For all questions: support@explority.ai

Copyright © 2026 Explority AI Inc.

Explority AI logo

228 Park Ave S,
New York, USA.

At Explority, we build first-of-its-kind AI to bring clarity to the earliest and riskiest stages of pharmaceutical research by forecasting which therapies are most likely to succeed. Explority AI web and mobile applications are properties of the Explority AI Inc., a company registered in the United States (File No. 10320493).
For all questions: support@explority.ai

Copyright © 2026 Explority AI Inc.