Astellas Pharma, a leading pharmaceutical company, has entered into a groundbreaking collaboration with Kelonia Therapeutics, a startup specializing in in vivo gene placement system (iGPS) technology. This collaboration could potentially revolutionize the field of cell therapy by allowing the engineering of cells inside the patient’s body.
Through the partnership, Kelonia’s iGPS technology will be combined with the expertise of Xyphos Biosciences, a cell therapy developer that Astellas acquired in 2019. The collaboration aims to develop in vivo CAR T-therapies, where the genetic payload delivered to a cell induces the expression of a receptor that targets cancer cells.
By utilizing Xyphos’ convertibleCAR technology, immune cells will be modified to have the ability to target and destroy tumor cells more effectively. This technology enables the creation of versatile cell therapies that can be engineered and re-engineered within the patient’s body to target multiple tumor antigens. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the ability of modified immune cells to combat and eliminate tumors.
Under the agreement, Astellas and Kelonia will collaborate on the development of two in vivo CAR T-therapy programs, with the specific targets remaining undisclosed. Xyphos will be responsible for the development and potential commercialization of these programs, subject to regulatory approval.
Kelonia will receive an upfront payment of $40 million for the first program, along with an additional $35 million if Xyphos exercises its option for the second program. Milestone payments could potentially reach nearly $800 million, and Kelonia will also receive research funding for its contributions to the collaboration. Furthermore, if therapies resulting from this alliance reach the market, Kelonia is eligible for royalties from sales.
The collaboration between Astellas and Kelonia represents a significant step forward in the development of in vivo cell therapies. Other biopharmaceutical companies, such as Sanofi and Capstan Therapeutics, are also exploring in vivo approaches using different technologies.
Kelonia, with its mission of making cell therapy more accessible and affordable, aims to democratize the incredible benefits of this innovative treatment. Their iGPS technology offers the potential to provide CAR T-therapy at community hospitals, eliminating the complexity and expense associated with current treatments restricted to major medical centers.
With promising preclinical results and the goal of advancing their lead program to the clinic for the treatment of multiple myeloma, Kelonia’s collaboration with Astellas Pharma will contribute to the advancement of in vivo CAR T-therapies, potentially transforming the landscape of cancer treatment.
FAQ:
1. What is the collaboration between Astellas Pharma and Kelonia Therapeutics?
Astellas Pharma, a leading pharmaceutical company, has entered into a groundbreaking collaboration with Kelonia Therapeutics, a startup specializing in in vivo gene placement system (iGPS) technology. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the field of cell therapy by allowing the engineering of cells inside the patient’s body.
2. What is the goal of the collaboration?
The collaboration aims to develop in vivo CAR T-therapies, where the genetic payload delivered to a cell induces the expression of a receptor that targets cancer cells. By utilizing Xyphos’ convertibleCAR technology, immune cells will be modified to have the ability to target and destroy tumor cells more effectively.
3. What is Xyphos Biosciences and its role in the collaboration?
Xyphos Biosciences is a cell therapy developer that Astellas acquired in 2019. Their expertise will be combined with Kelonia’s iGPS technology to develop in vivo CAR T-therapies.
4. How will in vivo CAR T-therapies enhance the treatment of tumors?
In vivo CAR T-therapies allow the engineering and re-engineering of versatile cell therapies within the patient’s body to target multiple tumor antigens. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the ability of modified immune cells to combat and eliminate tumors.
5. What are the financial aspects of the collaboration?
Kelonia will receive an upfront payment of $40 million for the first program, along with an additional $35 million if Xyphos exercises its option for the second program. Milestone payments could potentially reach nearly $800 million, and Kelonia will also receive research funding for its contributions to the collaboration. Furthermore, if therapies resulting from this alliance reach the market, Kelonia is eligible for royalties from sales.
Definitions:
1. CAR T-therapy: A type of immunotherapy where immune cells are genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that allows them to recognize and target cancer cells.
2. In vivo: Refers to experiments or procedures conducted within a living organism, such as inside the patient’s body.
3. iGPS technology: In vivo gene placement system technology, developed by Kelonia Therapeutics, which enables the engineering of cells within the patient’s body.
4. Cell therapy: A form of medical treatment that involves the use of cells, usually from the patient or a donor, to replace or repair damaged tissues or organs.
5. ConvertibleCAR technology: Developed by Xyphos Biosciences, it enables the modification and re-engineering of immune cells within the patient’s body to target multiple tumor antigens.
Suggested related links:
– astellas.com (Astellas Pharma’s official website)
– keloniatherapeutics.com (Kelonia Therapeutics’ official website)
– xyphos.com (Xyphos Biosciences’ official website)
– sanofi.com (Sanofi’s official website)
– capstanthera.com (Capstan Therapeutics’ official website)
The source of the article is from the blog qhubo.com.ni