Researchers from Healios K.K. presented preclinical data for HLCN-061, a novel gene-engineered human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived NK cell product being developed for the treatment of solid tumors.

Indapta Therapeutics Inc. has gained IND clearance from the FDA to commence a first-in-human phase I trial of IDP-023, an allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapy, in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and lymphoma, anticipated to begin in the second half of this year. The study will explore three different dose levels of Indapta’s G-NK cells alone and in combination with IL-2 and the monoclonal antibodies rituximab and daratumumab.

A proof of concept of ex vivo genetic modification of cells from patients and their transplantation in mice has demonstrated, for the first time, the therapeutic possibilities of prime editing in sickle cell disease (SCD).

Base editing (BE), a technique that modifies a single nucleotide in living cells, has been successfully tested to resolve the CD3δ mutation in severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) and produce functional T cells. For now, scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), completed the study on patient stem cells and artificial thymic organoids, shortening the way for future clinical trials.

Estrella Biopharma Inc. has received FDA clearance of its IND application for lead product candidate EB-103, a T-cell therapy targeting CD19, a protein expressed on the surface of almost all B-cell leukemias and lymphomas.

Unexpected behavior of neutrophils unveiled by researchers at Stanford University could lead to a new type of immunotherapy to treat cancer. Although various studies have suggested that these cells are harmful due to their immunosuppressive characteristics, the scientists saw in them an opportunity to redirect them and eliminate tumors.