TC BioPharm is set to launch preclinical studies to assess the efficacy of TCB008, an unmodified cell therapy, in treating Mpox. The company's approach leverages the potential of activated and expanded gamma delta T-cells to combat the virus, which caused a global outbreak in 2022-2023.
TCB 008 utilizes activated and expanded gamma delta T cells. Bryan Kobel, CEO of TC BioPharm, stated that academic research indicates a strong immune response to viral infections is heavily reliant on gamma delta T-cells. The company aims to expand the therapeutic applications for TCB008, focusing on rapid response to aggressive viral infections. According to Kobel, delivering a frozen/thawed product could prevent death or extended viral infection, potentially slowing the spread of infectious disease and containing outbreaks.
Ongoing Clinical Trials and Patent Grant
TC BioPharm is currently dosing new patients in its ACHIEVE Phase 2b trial in the UK, investigating TCB008's impact on patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome/AML (MDS/AML). Kobel noted the rapid progression in the ACHIEVE Phase 2b trial, with strong enrollment in the second part using a higher dose. He highlighted TCB008 as a potentially game-changing monotherapy for blood cancers, evidenced by strong recruitment and patient retention rates.
In August, the European Patent Office granted TC BioPharm a patent covering the use of modified delta cells for treating cancer and viral indications. This patent expands TC BioPharm's portfolio and supports the development of gamma delta assets for indications such as solid tumors. Kobel believes that modified gamma delta cells have the potential to surpass current CAR and modified T-cells in safety and efficacy.