LIfT BioSciences, a biotech company focused on developing first-in-class allogeneic innate cell therapies, has announced the expansion of its manufacturing and clinical operations into Galway, Ireland, with the establishment of a new subsidiary, Eolaíocht Bhitheach LIfT Teoranta. This strategic move marks LIfT's entry into the European Union and aims to leverage Ireland's growing biotechnology sector for advancing its cancer therapies.
Strategic Expansion into Ireland
The Galway site will operate in collaboration with the University of Galway and HookeBio, with support from Údarás na Gaeltachta. This collaboration is expected to enhance LIfT's research and manufacturing capabilities as it prepares to move into clinical trials with its lead candidate, an allogeneic neutrophil-based immuno-cell therapy.
Alex Blyth, Chief Executive Officer of LIfT BioSciences, stated, "Our new Galway site represents a significant development in LIfT’s growth strategy by expanding our reach and expertise...this positions us well as we prepare to move into clinical trials in Ireland for our allogeneic first-in-class neutrophil-based immuno-cell therapy and other exciting pipeline developments."
Advancing Immunomodulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs)
LIfT BioSciences is developing Immunomodulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs) as an allogeneic cell therapy for solid tumors. IMANs are designed to overcome treatment resistance by recognizing tumor cells independently of mutations, using threat pattern recognition. These cells then recruit and immunomodulate host immune effector cells, such as T cells and NK cells, to generate a durable anti-tumor response and long-lasting immunity.
The company's patented Neutrophil-based Leukocyte Infusion Therapy (N-LIfT) platform is used to generate IMANs, with future iPSC-derived and gene-engineered products in the pipeline. This approach aims to provide a novel solution for patients with solid tumors who have developed resistance to existing therapies.
Collaboration and Support
The expansion into Ireland has garnered support from local institutions and organizations. Tomáš Ó Síocháin, Chief Executive Officer of Údarás na Gaeltachta, commented, "We are delighted to welcome LIfT BioSciences's expansion into Galway through their new subsidiary...We look forward to supporting LIfT as they develop their groundbreaking cancer therapies and contribute to our thriving life sciences sector."
Professor Martin O’Donnell, Executive Dean of College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, highlighted the synergy among LIfT BioSciences, HookeBio, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the University of Galway, emphasizing the collaboration as a significant step toward advancing cutting-edge cell therapies and driving impactful research.
Dr Mark Lyons, Chief Executive Officer, HookeBio, added that the collaboration with LIfT on their cancer therapy aligns with HookeBio's goal of bringing better solutions to the market to support screening for disease therapeutics while reducing the need for animal testing.
