The partnership enables CytoMed to leverage CNK's PiggyBac technology, leveraging a non-viral gene editing approach, to permanently integrate the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) gene into its gamma delta (γδ) T cells
CytoMed Therapeutics signs MOU with Hangzhou CNK Therapeutics. (Credit: Louis Reed on Unsplash)
CytoMed Therapeutics, headquartered in Singapore, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hangzhou CNK Therapeutics (CNK) to boost its allogeneic CAR γδ T in vivo persistency.
The partnership enables CytoMed to leverage CNK’s PiggyBac technology, leveraging a non-viral gene editing approach, to permanently integrate the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) gene into its gamma delta (γδ) T cells.
CytoMed chief operating officer Dr Tan Wee Kiat said: “We are currently using mRNA technology whereby the CAR gene is transient, and hence, the CAR expression would cease after a period of time, leaving non-CAR γδ T cells in the patient’s body.
“The γδ T cells that remain continue to be cytotoxic with the ability to kill cancer cells. Leveraging CNK’s technology, the CAR gene now would be expressed for as long as the γδ T cells are present in the body.
“This means that the CAR-γδ T cells can now exert a targeted attack for as long as it is present in the patient’s body, potentially increasing the efficacy of our CAR γδ T cells in the patient.”
The initial connection between CytoMed and this opportunity was facilitated by Professor Wang Shu, a member of CytoMed’s Scientific Advisory Committee and a co-inventor of the company’s CAR γδ T cell technology. Professor Wang Shu’s extensive expertise in cell therapy research, particularly in CytoMed’s technology, enabled the identification of potential synergies between CytoMed and CNK’s PiggyBac technologies.
The MOU is valid for one year, with an option for renewal, and is contingent upon finalizing a definitive agreement and meeting customary closing conditions. There is also a possibility for a collaborative clinical trial venture in China.
The official signing ceremony occurred on 15 August during the 17th Singapore-Zhejiang Economic and Trade Council Meeting. Dignitaries present included Senior Minister of State for National Development and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann, as well as Zhejiang Vice Governor Lu Shan.
CytoMed chairman Peter Choo said: “Such strategic partnerships augment CytoMed’s technology and bring us one step closer to our goal of advancing affordable, “off-the-shelf” allogeneic cellular immunotherapies for a broad spectrum of cancers.
“We look forward to continuing our growth with new and innovative partnerships.”