Hebecell Corp. and Logomix Inc. have established a strategic partnership to research and develop gene-edited natural killer (NK) cells and discover genetic modifications that can create next-generation designer NK cells. Under the agreement, Logomix provides genome editing capabilities to Hebecell for development of next-generation designer Protonk cells.

Zumutor Biologics Inc. has received FDA clearance of its IND application for ZM-008 to enter a first-in-human phase I study for the treatment of multiple solid cancers. A phase I study is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter, and will include evaluation of ZM-008 followed by pembrolizumab.

Georgiamune Inc. announced that the FDA cleared its IND application for GIM-122, a first-in-class dual-functioning monoclonal antibody designed to target a highly novel mechanism to overcome immunotherapy resistance.

CAR T-cell immunotherapy is designed with different targets depending on the receptors they will bind to. CARs can also contain different tools, like the concept of a Swiss army knife, with several utensils for different tasks. The goal is to make them more effective and durable. During the second session of the Spotlight on Immuno-Oncology conference, “Novel CAR designs and approaches,” Robbie Majzner, of Stanford University, described expanding the main components of CAR T cells to acquire new functions and act on different cell pathways.

Lift Biosciences Ltd. has reported a substantially marked increase in cancer killing with the attachment of HER2 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to its immunomodulatory alpha neutrophil (IMAN) cell therapy, using the company’s second-generation N-Lift (neutrophil only leukocyte infusion therapy) platform. Positive data support the potential of the In-Lift platform to produce a variety of genetically engineered CAR-IMANs to enhance killing and more targeted immunomodulation for different tumor targets.

One of the main causes of cervical cancer is persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with E6 and E7 being the main oncogenic genes of HPV3. For this reason, targeting HPV proteins E6 and E7 is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this disease.

Researchers from Interius Biotherapeutics Inc. presented the development and preclinical evaluation of a novel gene therapy candidate, INT-2104, as potential candidate for the treatment of B-cell malignancies.

“From such a stick, such a splinter,” is a popular Spanish saying to explain how a son resembles his father. Like father, like son. The first Spotlight on Immuno-Oncology conference of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) is the splinter of the ASGCT annual meeting, which brought together a group of experts in this field. It took place on Aug. 1 and 2, 2023, starting with a series of talks on “B Cell Malignancies and Beyond.”

Critically shortened telomeres are a key limiting factor in successful CAR T-cell immunotherapy, with cells from older patients tending to have shorter telomeres with reduced dividing capacity. As such, these cells are unable to fully eliminate malignancies and provide durable and persistent protection against cancer.

Researchers from OSE Immunotherapeutics SA have published preclinical data for the novel anti-ChemR23 monoclonal antibody (MAb) (OSE-230) with anti-inflammatory properties, being evaluated for the potential treatment of cancer.