In Singapore, CytoMed Therapeutics is revolutionizing cancer treatment with its ANGELICA clinical trial, focusing on using donor immune cells to combat a wide range of cancers more effectively and affordably. Peter Choo, Chairman of CytoMed, likens the approach to training a versatile army of super-soldiers to fight cancer, utilizing healthy donor cells instead of the patient's own, which are often weakened by prior treatments.
At the core of CytoMed's innovation are gamma-delta T cells, a rare but powerful component of the immune system known for their ability to target cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. CytoMed has developed proprietary technology to multiply these cells in the lab, making them viable for treatment. This method offers a stark contrast to traditional cell therapies, which are time-consuming and expensive, by providing treatments that are ready 'off-the-shelf'.
The ANGELICA trial, currently underway at Singapore’s National University Hospital, is targeting various challenging cancers, including solid tumors, in patients who have not responded to standard treatments. CytoMed's technology shows promise in fighting over 20 different types of cancer, potentially extending the success of CAR T-cell therapies beyond blood cancers to include breast, lung, liver, and ovarian cancers.
Beyond cancer, CytoMed is venturing into longevity research and the treatment of autoimmune diseases through its subsidiary, LongevityBank. The acquisition of a licensed cord blood bank in September 2024 provides CytoMed with access to naive cord blood, a crucial resource for developing new treatments in regenerative medicine.
CytoMed's global vision includes making advanced cell therapies more accessible and affordable worldwide. By focusing on cost-effective manufacturing and efficient production processes, the company aims to bring cutting-edge treatments within reach of more patients. The 'off-the-shelf' approach to cell therapy could significantly advance cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients with limited options.
