LIfT BioSciences, a UK and Ireland-based biotechnology company positioning itself as the global leader in neutrophil immunotherapies, has entered into an agreement with Portal Innovations to establish operations at the venture capital firm's Houston Helix Park facility. The deal provides LIfT with access to 30,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory and office space in one of the fastest-growing life science ecosystems in the United States.
The strategic expansion significantly strengthens LIfT's transatlantic footprint, complementing existing operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and United States. The company aims to accelerate development of its first-in-class Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs) designed to overcome treatment resistance in solid tumors.
Strategic Location and Partnerships
"In addition to premium lab and office spaces, Portal Innovations provides LIfT with a unique ecosystem of scientific expertise, with proximity to the highly distinguished clinical trial center in MD Anderson," said Alex Blyth, Chief Executive Officer of LIfT Biosciences. "It is an important milestone in our journey to deliver curative neutrophil immunotherapies to patients globally."
The Houston location offers strategic advantages through its proximity to MD Anderson Cancer Center, providing potential collaboration opportunities as LIfT advances its platform toward clinical translation. Portal Innovations' venture development model also offers access to strategic capital, providing flexible options to support future U.S. growth.
Novel Immunotherapy Platform
LIfT's proprietary technology centers on its Immunomodulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs), which represent a first-in-class allogeneic alpha neutrophil immunotherapy. The platform is designed to overcome treatment resistance in solid tumors by reconstituting immune competence through non-antigen specific killing mechanisms that turn the tumor microenvironment against the tumor.
The patented N-LIfT platform utilizes exceptional stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) or hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), combined with proprietary enhancement media and genetic engineering techniques. This approach aims to deliver a durable total immune response and lasting immunity against solid tumors.
Venture Development Support
Portal Innovations provides LIfT with a fully serviced laboratory environment, tailored operational and safety support, and access to networking events, investor connections, and expert advisory resources. This infrastructure is designed to help the company scale its U.S. operations as it advances clinical programs.
"Portal Innovations is designed to help innovative companies like LIfT move rapidly from discovery to clinical and commercial success through curated capital, best-in-class infrastructure, and access to a strong life sciences network," said Zach Hightower, Director of Business Development at Portal Innovations. "LIfT's novel immunotherapy approach exemplifies the innovative science that we aim to support, and we believe they will be a great fit in our collaborative environment."
Clinical Development Strategy
The company is preparing initiatives with pharmaceutical license partners to develop a portfolio of engineered IMAN immunotherapies targeting various solid tumors. Houston Helix Park's ecosystem includes academic and clinical leaders who offer potential collaboration opportunities as LIfT advances toward clinical translation.
The expansion represents a significant step in LIfT's strategy to establish a stronger presence in the U.S. market while leveraging the scientific expertise and clinical infrastructure available in the Houston life sciences ecosystem.
