Elpis Biopharmaceuticals and NCCS Form Strategic Alliance
In a significant step towards revolutionizing cancer treatment, Elpis Biopharmaceuticals has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). Established to foster collaborative research in cell therapy, this partnership marks a pivotal moment that could redefine how various cancers, such as colorectal, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers, are treated.
Elpis Biopharmaceuticals, known for its cutting-edge bispecific armored CAR-T therapies, is poised to change the landscape of immunotherapy, primarily focusing on solid tumors, which have historically been challenging to treat. CAR-T therapy has thus far only been approved for blood cancers; however, this collaboration aims to shift that paradigm.
Technological Contributions and Research Goals
Under the MOU, Elpis will share its clinically validated technologies, including advanced mechanisms for multi-target engagement, bispecific targeting antibodies, and innovative cytokine cocktails. These platforms are crucial as they enable the development of next-generation cell therapies. The company's flagship programs, EPC-002 and EPC-003, are already undergoing clinical investigations, with aspirations to broaden their applicability across various forms of solid tumors.
Enhancing Clinical Collaboration
To facilitate a more integrated approach, Elpis plans to set up a laboratory at NCCS, where both organizations will co-share equipment and resources. Dr. Yan Chen, the Founder and CEO of Elpis, stated, "This partnership reflects our commitment to swiftly advancing innovative immunotherapies. By fusing our pioneering technology with NCCS's clinical proficiency, we aim to expedite the delivery of transformative therapies to patients in Singapore and beyond."
In addition, NCCS will bring its vast clinical research expertise and access to a robust clinical trial infrastructure to further evaluate new cell therapy candidates. Professor Lim Soon Thye, CEO of NCCS, emphasized the growing importance of solid tumor cell therapies, noting, "The potential of using cell therapies for solid tumors is still uncharted, and this collaboration will help us investigate promising technologies that fulfill critical patient needs."
A Vision for the Future
The joint efforts will primarily focus on developing bispecific armored CAR-T therapies tailored for solid tumors. Elpis's proprietary mRNA display technology will assist NCCS in rapidly identifying human antibodies for novel targets, thereby expanding the potential applications of cell therapy and related modalities.
Chee-Yong Lim, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Elpis, remarked, "This MOU signifies an essential expansion of our living drug strategy, pushing the boundaries for clinical translation of our advanced cell therapy technologies. Together, we are committed to making living drugs a reality for patients battling cancers lacking effective treatment options."
About Elpis Biopharmaceuticals
Elpis Biopharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm focused on developing next-generation therapies for solid tumors. Their innovative pipeline includes unique bispecific armored CAR-T therapies designed to combat tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive environment often found in tumors. Their advanced platforms facilitate the creation of therapies that are not only safer but also exhibit durable and effective responses against a variety of tumors.
With its headquarters in Singapore and Boston, MA, Elpis aims to lead the way in pioneering cutting-edge cancer therapies. For those interested in learning more, visit
www.elpisbiopharmaceuticals.com.