Biosyngen, a biotechnology company specializing in immune cell therapies, presented its advancements in gene-modified tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) derived from liver cancer biopsy samples at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The company's innovative approach aims to enhance TIL therapy efficacy and expand its clinical applications beyond melanoma.
Addressing Limitations of Traditional TIL Therapy
TIL therapy, which involves using a patient's own immune cells to target cancer, has shown promise, particularly in melanoma. However, challenges remain, including variability in T cell infiltration, differential abundance of antigen-specific T cells, and the need for high-dose IL-2 combination therapy. Biosyngen's technology seeks to overcome these limitations through genetic modification and enhanced cell expansion.
Biosyngen's Proprietary TIL Platform
Biosyngen has developed a platform for expanding TILs from biopsy samples, achieving production of 10^11 cells within four weeks. The company has also established a gene modification platform that reprograms TIL metabolism and enhances antitumor efficacy by expressing membrane anchor proteins. This modification leads to enhanced antitumor efficacy without the need for IL-2 co-injection, and no obvious toxicity has been observed.
Key Features of Biosyngen's TIL Technology
Biosyngen's TIL platform incorporates several key features:
- Efficient Automated TILs Manufacturing System: Utilizes tumor biopsy samples for TIL preparation with the ability to cryopreserve both tumor tissue and final products.
- Effective In Vitro Gene-engineering System: Employs viral vector technology for stable gene modification, maintaining high gene expression efficiency in TILs.
- Enhanced In Vivo Expansion and Persistence: Increases the proportion of central memory T cells (TCM) in the final product, leading to prolonged persistence.
- Powerful Antitumor Efficacy: Demonstrates strong tumor-killing effects without the need for concomitant use of IL-2.
Clinical Development Pipeline
Biosyngen has secured ten clinical trial approvals in China and the U.S. for its fourth-generation oncology therapies. BRG01, the company's lead product, is currently in a pivotal Phase II clinical trial for solid tumors. Additionally, Phase I trials for BST02 and BRL03 are underway, with completion anticipated later this year.
