Research scientists at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are giving hope to patients diagnosed with solid tumor cancers. Their recent study has shown that certain immunotherapies, specifically CAR-natural killer T cells (CAR-NKT), produced “significant” anti-tumor activity in preclinical models of solid tumors.
Unlike traditional CAR T-cell therapies, which have shown success in treating blood cancers but have little success in solid tumor treatment, CAR-NKT cells possess an “innate-like” ability to fight solid tumors.
Gianpietro Dotti, corresponding author of the UNC study said, “CAR-T cells are very potent cells. However, the most surprising finding in our work is that these potent cells are strongly inhibited in tumor models that recapitulate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. In particular, tumor-associated macrophages seem to have a potent inhibitory effect on CAR-T cells.
“CAR-NKT seem capable (of avoiding) the inhibitory effects of macrophages since they can directly target them…
“However, the manufacturing of CAR-NKT for clinical use is more complex than the manufacturing of CAR-T cells,” he said.[1]
Speaking on the UNC study, Peter Choo, Chairman of CytoMed Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GDTC) said, “We agree with much of the assessments of the UNC data. Our own research on CAR-NKT has shown that these cells do, in fact, seem to be a potentially effective path to treating solid tumors.
“It is why we, CytoMed Therapeutics, have begun the development of our own solid tumor immunotherapy using iPSC-γδ NKT Cells to exploit the multiple antigen recognition systems of natural killer (NK) cells and γδ T cells, to be used to recognize and treat a broad range of cancers.
“In fact, you can see a video of our iPSC-γδ NKT Cells in action against colon cancer, a solid tumor cancer, on our website, www.cytomed.sg.
“Furthermore, we’ve just obtained approval for our fist in-human Phase I clinical trial in Singapore using our patented allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell technology against several blood and solid tumors.
“Our ultimate goal is to produce an off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy that can target a wide range of both blood and solid cancers. And to produce this immunotherapy at a scale and price where these advanced treatments can be available to a far wider range of patients.
Read more about CytoMed’s Phase I clinical trial HERE
Or read more about UNC’s research HERE
[1] Innovative immunotherapy harnesses natural killer T cells to combat solid tumors (news-medical.net)
New research from Precedence Research is forecasting exceptional growth in the burgeoning regenerative medicine market. Currently valued at roughly $35 billion, Precedence now predicts its global compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at a robust 18%, reaching $154 billion by 2033.
However, while the global CAGR is indeed robust, the Asia Pacific market is among the fastest growing, outpacing global growth with a CAGR of 23.6%[1]
To put this phenomenal growth forecast in perspective, Precedence Research has pegged the global artificial intelligence market as having a CAGR of 19.1% through 2034.[2]
According to the Precedence report, “With the significant rise in the prevalence of chronic ailments and traumatic injuries, organ transplantation and regenerative therapy procedures have gained immense attention…
“Moreover, the rising advancements in stem cell research significantly contribute to the market growth, as it plays a crucial role in generative medicine studies.”[3]
Peter Choo, Chairman of CytoMed Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GDTC) said, of the forecast, “The growth in the regenerative medicine market is quite astounding but not unexpected given the recent scientific advances. There is no surprise that the Asian market outpace the global market as the Asian population is significantly aging, and combined with increased lifespan, brings about greater demand for the market. “
“The regenerative therapies that we are developing through our latest acquisition will not be exclusive to the Asian market, but we are in the right place at the right time.”
Read more about CytoMed Therapeutics’ (NASDAQ: GDTC) acquisition and entry into the regenerative medicine market HERE
Or read the full Precedence Research report HERE
[1] Regenerative Medicine Market is Targeting USD 154.05 (globenewswire.com)
[2] Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market Size to Reach USD 3,680.47 Bn by 2034 (precedenceresearch.com)
[3] Regenerative Medicine Market is Targeting USD 154.05 (globenewswire.com)
Singapore has launched a one-stop digital portal to streamline and consolidate information and research studies on the safety and efficacy of trial drugs, treatments and medical devices.
The portal, Clinical Trials Singapore (CTSG) is managed by the Singapore Clinical Research Institute (SCRI). It is designed to allow individuals easier access and options, as well as information needed by physicians before deciding on a patient’s suitability for medical trials.
Currently, the portal includes 338 trials, each one including a short description of the study, and the criteria that must be met by potential participants.
Prior to the launch of the new portal, information on clinical trials was generally customized for research professionals and principal investigators. Now, with the new portal, the public has access to medial trial information independent of their physician.
Speaking on the launch of the portal, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat noted to The Straits Times that “Singapore must invest more in trials centered on upstream disease prevention. The Republic should also leverage new health-tech innovations and tap clinical trials to advance more sustainable healthcare systems.”
Dr. Wee Kiat Tan, co-CEO of Singapore-based Cytomed Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GDTC) said, “The new portal developed by the SRCI could very well lead to a boon in new drug development. Before the portal was created, it was actually not a simple process to find qualified trial candidates.
Now, with the portal, new drugs, therapies and devices that are in trial can be rather easily seen by people who are actively searching. Because of this, it is my belief that Singapore is on the forefront of new drug and therapy development.
“By streamlining the process of candidate discovery and qualification, it is possible we could see the entire trials system become far more efficient.”
Read more about Singapore’s new trials portal HERE
Or see CytoMed Therapeutics’ latest investor presentations HERE
In an effort to help mitigate the financial burden put upon patients requiring cell, tissue and gene therapies, the government of Singapore has announced it will offer substantial subsidies to help cover patient costs.
As of August 1, based on means-testing and household income, Singapore citizens are eligible for a subsidy of up to 75% of the cost of their treatment, capped at $150,000. Permanent residents may be eligible for up to a 22.5% subsidy, capped at $45,000.
The initial subsidies are currently offered for a single product to patients suffering from blood cancers, specifically refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
The initial product to be subsidized, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, currently costs around $475,000 before subsidies. Additional cell, tissue and gene therapy products (CTGTPs) will likely be added to the subsidy list based on clinical need, clinical effectiveness, cost and budget impact.
Dr. Wee Kiat Tan, co-CEO of CytoMed Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GDTC) said of the subsidies, “The Singapore government has taken a significant step towards not only offering financial assistance to patients in need, but has signaled, in my opinion, its steadfast endorsement of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies.
“However, while subsides to patients are important and very much needed, we believe CytoMed’s cancer therapy products could greatly reduce the cost of CAR T-cell therapies, as we plan to create an “off the shelf” solution targeting not only blood cancers, but solid tumors as well.
“Production of our drug could be quickly scaled, bringing costs down significantly. This would allow for far more patient access to life-saving CAR T-cell therapies, potentially without the need for government subsidies.”
Read more about Singapore’s CTGTPs subsidies HERE
Or see CytoMed Therapeutics’ latest investor presentations HERE