Elpis Biopharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage cell therapy company, has announced a research collaboration agreement with Singapore General Hospital (SGH) to develop next-generation allogeneic CAR technologies for blood cancers. The partnership focuses on advancing armored CAR-γδT (gamma-delta-T) therapies targeting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and bi-specific CAR-γδT treatments for multiple myeloma.
Technology Transfer and Development Strategy
Under the collaboration terms, Elpis has transferred its bispecific and armored CAR technologies to SGH, with the technology transfer completed at the end of April 2025. SGH will leverage its unique γδT platform and clinical expertise to advance each therapeutic asset into separate investigator-initiated trials.
"CAR-γδTs represent the cutting edge of cancer therapy given the potential of such technologies to span the entirety of the immune system," stated Assistant Professor Alice Cheung, Junior Principal Investigator in SGH's Department of Haematology and study scientific lead.
Addressing Critical Treatment Challenges
The collaboration targets two major obstacles in cancer treatment: immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment and antigen heterogeneity. Elpis has developed integrated proprietary technologies designed to overcome these challenges through precision-engineered, cell type-specific armor that modulates the persistence of CAR-engineered immune cells and bystander immune cell activities.
Assistant Professor Chen Yunxin, Senior Consultant in SGH's Department of Haematology and study clinical lead, explained the therapeutic approach: "Through our research collaboration with Elpis, we aim to develop potent and durable cell therapies for AML and MM. By leveraging robust immune modulation, our goal is to enhance antitumor activity and ultimately improve clinical outcomes."
Next-Generation CAR Technology Platform
Elpis's approach combines cell type-specific multi-mechanism armor with bi-specific tumor targeting antibodies. According to Yan Chen, MD, PhD, founder and CEO of Elpis Biopharmaceuticals, these innovations are "designed to overcome multiple resistance mechanisms to deliver safer, more effective, and persistent therapies at a significantly reduced cost compared to autologous CAR-Ts."
The company's proprietary platform integrates multiple technologies including multi-mechanism armor technology, bispecific targeting antibodies, a cytokine cocktail-based cell manufacturing process, and a rapid mRNA display discovery engine.
Future Commercialization Plans
Should clinical data prove favorable, both parties have expressed mutual intention to explore forming a joint venture to further develop and commercialize the therapies. This potential partnership would combine Elpis's innovative CAR technology platform with SGH's clinical expertise and γδT platform capabilities.
Elpis currently maintains a broader pipeline including EPC-003 for glioblastoma and EPC-002 for solid tumors, positioning the company as a pioneer in next-generation cell therapies designed to overcome traditional CAR-T limitations in both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
