#USA #Boston #Astellas #Ginkgo Bioworks #Universal Cells

Ginkgo Bioworks Partners with Universal Cells

Advancing iPSC-Derived Therapies for Cancer Patients

In an exciting development for the biotechnology space, Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) has announced a collaboration with Universal Cells, an Astellas company, to enhance iPSC-derived cell therapies targeting solid tumors. Set in Boston, this partnership leverages Ginkgo's advanced cell programming capabilities alongside Universal Cells’ proprietary immunotherapies, marking a significant milestone in the therapeutic landscape for cancer treatment.

The Promise of iPSC-Derived Therapies

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived therapies hold a revolutionary promise in cancer care; they offer 'off-the-shelf' treatment options that could transform how we approach oncology. The real challenge, however, lies in developing effective therapies that not only reach patients but also lead to durable and long-lasting clinical responses. This collaboration aims to tackle these complex challenges using Ginkgo's high-throughput biological approaches, ensuring that the treatments are not only effective but also feasible for widespread manufacture.

Optimizing Cell Therapy Designs

The partnership is focused on combining Ginkgo’s extensive design and engineering expertise with the cutting-edge technologies offered by Universal Cells. With a strong emphasis on the creation and optimization of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), Ginkgo utilizes advanced statistical analyses and computational tools to assess and enhance the therapeutic potential of immune cells. This enables rapid testing and iteration of multiple CAR designs, catering to the need for innovation throughout the therapy development process.

The Role of Cutting-Edge Technology

Ginkgo’s capabilities extend beyond simple design enhancements. Their multimodal immune cell engineering platform includes methodologies for improved cell survival strategies and gene-editing tools that refine the development and application of therapeutic cells. Utilizing high-throughput pooled and arrayed screening methods, Ginkgo can evaluate numerous designs simultaneously, paving the way for breakthroughs that aim to boost immune cell durability and functionality when engaged in combatting tumors.

A Vision for the Future

Jason Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Ginkgo Bioworks, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding our cell therapy portfolio and reflects our dedication to improving patient outcomes across the globe. The ability to seamlessly join forces with a global powerhouse like Universal Cells is a testament to the potential we have together to innovate cancer therapies.”

Dr. Narendra Maheshri, VP of Genetic Medicines at Ginkgo, echoed this sentiment, articulating the collaborative drive to explore the functional aspects of various CAR designs. He emphasized that the innovative approach being taken with Universal Cells will push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer therapy, enhancing the precision and efficacy of new treatments.

Conclusion

As Ginkgo Bioworks collaborates with Universal Cells, the biotech community watches closely, anticipating advancements that could redefine how solid tumors are treated. This partnership not only highlights the powers of synergy in biotechnology but also embodies a focused mission: to harness the transformative potential of iPSC-derived therapies in the fight against cancer. Through innovative designs and technology, the partnership aims to expedite the development of effective treatments that hold immense promise for patients worldwide.

To stay updated on Ginkgo's advancements and explore their pioneering work in cell therapy and gene editing technologies, visit Ginkgo Bioworks.