Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has announced a major investment of US$225 million in the CRUK Cambridge Institute to advance cancer research and treatment. This funding aims to deepen the understanding of cancer development, growth, and spread, while also exploring innovative ways to harness the immune system to combat the disease. The institute will focus on personalized medicine and early detection techniques, supported by advanced technology and skilled professionals. This investment, the largest by CRUK outside of London, will support research initiatives over the next seven years.
CRUK Aims to Improve Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive at CRUK, stated, "We are delighted to confirm this incredible investment which is a reflection of the world-leading research community at the [CRUK] Cambridge Institute. The funding will underpin long-term cutting-edge discovery research, as well as supporting researchers to find new ways to improve cancer prevention and treatment, while creating innovative solutions to diagnose the disease earlier."
Cambridge to Open New CAR-T Cell Therapy Facility
The University of Cambridge is set to open a new, state-of-the-art laboratory operated by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to manufacture and develop CAR-T cell therapies. The Trust recently received a US$1.8 million grant from the National Institute of Health Research to equip the laboratory and support more clinical trials for patients in the East of England.
The new cleanrooms, expected to open within 12 to 18 months, will expand the current Cambridge Cellular Therapy Laboratory at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, enabling more treatments for a greater number of patients. This development is a step towards the future Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, scheduled for completion by 2029.
Expanding Cell Therapy Capabilities
Sarah Albon, Director of the Cambridge Cellular Therapy Laboratory, explained, "At the moment, there are a number of novel cell therapy products available commercially, but as an NHS Trust we have to buy them in for our patients. Having this state-of-the-art space is the missing part of the puzzle for bringing cell therapies from the research bench to bedside."
Albon also noted that the new laboratory will be able to "translate research into high-quality medicine, readily available for [patients] and the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, planned to be built here in Cambridge."
Promising Results from Parkinson’s Disease Gene Therapy Trial
MeiraGTx Holdings plc has announced encouraging data from its MGT-GAD-025 study evaluating AAV-GAD, a gene therapy designed to reprogram dysfunctional brain circuits by locally producing a neurotransmitter. This may help restore normal activity in critical cells affected by Parkinson’s disease.
The study involved 14 patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and tested two dose levels of AAV-GAD. Results showed significant motor improvements and enhanced quality of life, particularly in the higher dose group. The 6-month, three-arm, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial indicated that AAV-GAD was well tolerated, with significant and clinically meaningful improvements from baseline observed at the 26-week endpoint. Long-term follow-up studies are ongoing.
Potential Disease-Modifying Treatment
Alexandria Forbes, President and CEO of MeiraGTx, stated, "The significant, substantial and clinically meaningful changes observed in this small, sham-controlled study provide us with a clear path forward in our clinical development strategy and underpin our discussions with regulators in the US, Europe and Japan with the goal of initiating a Phase III study to support approval of this disease-modifying treatment globally."
