Cell Therapy Catapult and partners link up to develop CAR-T cell immuno-oncology therapy
Cell Therapy Catapult, University of Birmingham and Cancer Research Technology have launched Chimeric Therapeutics, which will hold IP rights to discoveries
The UK's Cell Therapy Catapult is working with the University of Birmingham and Cancer Research Technology to develop a new immuno-oncology cellular therapy based on gene modifying T cells to target solid tumours.
The collaborating partners have launched a new company called Chimeric Therapeutics, which will hold all future IP rights to the resultant discoveries.
Keith Thompson, CEO, the Cell Therapy Catapult, said: 'The Cell Therapy Catapult has extensive experience in working with early stage cell and gene therapies to develop them for clinical trial and commercialisation. We are delighted to assist Cancer Research Technology and Birmingham University to form this new company, Chimeric Technologies and apply this new CAR-T target to address solid tumours for the benefit of patients. The Cell therapy Catapult looks forward to developing partnerships with other Cancer Research UK supported academic groups.'
The project is based on a new chimeric antigen receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) immuno-oncology therapy for solid tumours
The project aims to translate an academic discovery programme funded by Cancer Research UK and developed by Dr Steven Lee and Prof Roy Bicknell at the University of Birmingham into a commercially viable cell therapy.
The project is based on a new chimeric antigen receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) immuno-oncology therapy for solid tumours. This involves directing the CAR-T cell towards a new, highly specific marker of tumour angiogenesis, CLEC14a. The therapy will act as a vasculature disruptive agent compromising oxygen supply to the tumours and inhibiting tumour growth.
The technology is currently undergoing the final stages of preclinical development, and is planned to enter into clinical trials soon after.