Singapore-based CytoMed Therapeutics is pioneering a novel approach to cancer treatment with its ANGELICA clinical trial, utilizing donor-derived immune cells to target a broad spectrum of cancers. This innovative strategy aims to overcome the limitations of current CAR T-cell therapies by offering an "off-the-shelf" solution that is faster, more accessible, and more cost-effective.
Overcoming Limitations of Traditional CAR T-cell Therapy
Traditional CAR T-cell therapy involves extracting and modifying a patient's own T cells, a process that can be lengthy and expensive. CytoMed's approach utilizes gamma-delta T cells sourced from healthy donors, which are then equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to recognize and attack cancer cells. Peter Choo, Chairman of CytoMed, explains, "Instead of using weakened soldiers from the patient's own body, we're recruiting healthy soldiers from disease-free donors and equipping them with special targeting systems to hunt down cancer cells."
The Power of Gamma-Delta T Cells
Gamma-delta T cells, a rare subset of T cells, possess unique properties that make them ideal for cancer immunotherapy. These cells exhibit a remarkable ability to distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells, minimizing the risk of off-target effects. CytoMed has developed proprietary technology to expand these rare cells in the laboratory, enabling their use in off-the-shelf therapies.
ANGELICA Trial: Targeting Solid Tumors
The ANGELICA trial, currently underway at Singapore’s National University Hospital, focuses on treating various types of cancer, including solid tumors that have proven resistant to standard treatments. This is a significant advancement, as current CAR T-cell therapies have primarily been effective against blood cancers.
Expanding Beyond Cancer
CytoMed is also exploring the potential of its technology in longevity research and autoimmune diseases. The company's acquisition of a licensed cord blood bank provides access to naive cord blood, a valuable resource for developing new treatments in regenerative medicine. Through its subsidiary LongevityBank, CytoMed plans to research and develop cord blood-derived cells that could address a wider range of medical challenges.
A Global Vision for Accessible Treatment
CytoMed is actively pursuing international collaborations to develop new therapeutic approaches and make treatments more affordable and accessible to patients worldwide. The company's focus on cost-effective manufacturing and efficient production processes could help bring advanced cell therapies within reach of more patients globally. Their "off-the-shelf" approach to cell therapy represents a major advance in cancer treatment, potentially offering hope to patients who have exhausted other options.
