#United States #Alameda #CellFE #DKFZ #TcellTech

Enhancing Cell Therapies through Strategic Collaboration

In a groundbreaking development within the biotechnology sector, CellFE, known for its expertise in non-viral gene editing technology, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Harbottle Lab at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and TcellTech. This collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing personalized and efficient cell therapies.

Embarking on a New Era in Gene Delivery

The primary goal of this partnership is to integrate CellFE’s innovative Ryva™ Mechanoporation System with TcellTech’s cutting-edge nanoSMAR gene expression DNA vector platform. Such a merger is set to address persistent challenges in the field of DNA vector utilization within cellular therapies, ultimately leading to more effective treatments.

CellFE's Ryva™ System employs a unique microfluidic approach to facilitate non-viral gene delivery, which has significant implications for cell therapy production. This technology, combined with the unique properties of TcellTech’s nanoSMAR platform, aims to enhance the scalability and safety of cell manufacturing processes.

Challenges in Current Cell Therapy Development

Despite the promising capabilities of DNA vectors, several hurdles hinder their widespread adoption in therapeutic settings. These include challenges related to efficient DNA delivery and maintaining the viability of cells post-transfection. By merging mechanoporation with the nanoSMAR technology, CellFE and TcellTech aim to streamline this process, enhancing the engineering of diverse cell lines.

Promising Early Results

Initial research outcomes have demonstrated a high compatibility between these two technologies. Early testing indicates that this integration helps produce stable cell lines capable of expressively showcasing CARs and TCRs. Removing the reliance on CRISPR for cellular engineering not only addresses crucial safety concerns but also paves the way for a more sophisticated and streamlined gene-editing method. This move significantly minimizes the risks associated with off-target effects while improving the consistency of the therapies developed.

Quotes from the Leaders

In a statement, Alla Zamarayeva, CEO of CellFE, articulated the transformative potential of their partnership: “Our collaboration with TcellTech and DKFZ is redefining what’s achievable in gene delivery. By harmonizing the high-performance delivery of the Ryva™ System with the scalable vector technology of nanoSMAR, we are facilitating efficient and reliable payload delivery, meeting the intricate demands of next-generation cell engineering.”

Dr. Richard Harbottle, co-founder of TcellTech, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Leveraging CellFE’s technology to deploy our nanoSMAR vector platform allows for the effective genetic modification of cells, which have previously been considered difficult to modify. The unique characteristics of nanoSMAR vectors present a revolutionary alternative to viral delivery methods, offering high payload capacity, sustained expression, and safety. This synergy will not only resolve existing gene delivery constraints but also create opportunities for personalized therapies targeting a broader spectrum of diseases.”

Future Implications

As researchers from DKFZ prepare to present their findings at the upcoming American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) annual meeting in New Orleans, the implications of this collaboration could signify a major leap forward in regenerative medicine. Their research will shed light on how these two advanced technologies can be harnessed to create more robust and scalable cell therapies.

Through this partnership, CellFE and TcellTech are not just innovating; they are redefining the landscape of gene and cell therapies toward a future where life-changing treatments become more accessible and tailored to individual patient needs.

About the Companies

CellFE focuses on microfluidics technology to address the manufacturing challenges of cell therapies, ensuring more routine accessibility to patients. On the other hand, TcellTech, a spin-out from DKFZ, is dedicated to evolving personalized adoptive T cell therapies for a variety of cancers. Both organizations are committed to overcoming the critical challenges in the biotechnology realm, aiming to provide innovative solutions for health and medicine.