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Ginkgo Bioworks Partners with STRM.BIO and UBC for CAR Therapy Development

Ginkgo Bioworks, known for its innovations in biotechnology, has recently announced a promising collaboration with STRM.BIO and the University of British Columbia (UBC). This partnership is part of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health's EMBODY program, focused on advancing in vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies aimed at treating autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and myasthenia gravis (MG).

The project, named "IN VIvo T-cell Engineering with Megakaryocyte EVs" (INVITE-ME), aims to overcome existing challenges in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, which currently rely on systemic immunosuppression, often resulting in severe side effects and risks of infections due to the broad suppression of the immune system.

The unique approach being taken involves combining Ginkgo's expertise in RNA construct design with STRM.BIO's novel megakaryocyte-derived extracellular vesicle (MV) delivery system. This collaboration seeks to establish in vivo CAR-T therapies capable of delivering complex genetic material directly to bone marrow-residing cells, thus minimizing the dependency on cumbersome ex vivo manipulation methods. By enabling precise, in situ engineering of T cells, this innovative method aims at significantly improving treatment efficacy and providing long-lasting solutions for patients.

Dr. Jesse Dill, the Government BD Lead at Ginkgo Bioworks, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This is an exciting opportunity to partner with ARPA-H, STRM.BIO, and UBC on an important effort in a unique public-private partnership structure. Our team is thrilled to extend and apply Ginkgo's RNA design capabilities to support the development of this exciting new modality for in vivo CAR-T therapeutics."

The initiative aims to specifically target and eliminate autoreactive immune cells. The combination of Ginkgo's advanced RNA engineering capabilities alongside UBC's expertise in designing self-amplifying RNA motifs creates a powerful platform for enhancing both the potency and longevity of these therapies. The collaboration is poised to transform the current landscape for treating autoimmune diseases, potentially offering patients relief from chronic conditions that have long eluded effective management.

Dr. Taeyoon Kyung, a senior engineer at Ginkgo, elaborated on the significance of their RNA construct design abilities. He stated, "Our advanced capabilities in RNA construct design and screening make us a strong partner for teams aiming to push the boundaries for this new therapeutic modality. We look forward to contributing to this significant project and using our platform to advance novel optimized RNA-based therapeutics to the clinic."

Moreover, Dr. David Raiser, COO of STRM.BIO, reflected on the partnership's potential, saying, "We are delighted to have Ginkgo Bioworks and UBC partner with us on this groundbreaking initiative. By combining STRM.BIO's MV delivery platform with Ginkgo's expertise in RNA construct design, we aim to create transformative therapies that could redefine the management of autoimmune diseases. This collaboration brings together leading-edge technologies and expertise to address a significant unmet medical need."

The overarching goals of this collaboration align closely with Ginkgo's commitment to advancing RNA technology and affirms its position as a major contributor to the field of RNA cargo design. As they delve deeper into this partnership, Ginkgo aims to exemplify their proficiency in RNA engineering and in vivo therapeutic delivery, ultimately paving the way for groundbreaking treatments for complex autoimmune conditions that affect millions globally.

To explore further details about their innovative biological solutions, visit their dedicated page for Ginkgo Genetic Medicines.