#London #CAR-T therapy #Syenex #Leucid Bio

Leucid Bio and Syenex: A Groundbreaking Collaboration in CAR-T Therapy

In a significant advancement for cancer treatment, Leucid Bio, a pioneer in biotechnology focused on innovative Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, has announced a strategic collaboration with Syenex, an open-science genetic medicines platform company. The partnership aims to leverage Syenex's cutting-edge VivoCell Platform to enhance the delivery of Leucid's CAR-T assets, particularly the promising LEU011, which is designed for the treatment of solid tumors.

The Fusion of Technologies

This collaboration marks a crucial evolution in CAR-T cell therapy, moving from conventional ex vivo methods—where cells are processed outside the body—to an in vivo approach that generates CAR-T cells directly within the patient's body. This transition significantly reduces the complexities associated with traditional cell processing and logistics, enabling a more streamlined and effective treatment pathway for patients suffering from solid tumors.

By utilizing Syenex's advanced VivoCell technology, the focus will be on the precise in vivo delivery of the LEU011 construct to T-cells. This methodology promises to revolutionize how CAR-T therapies are administered, shifting towards a potentially off-the-shelf solution that is expected to be more suitable for widespread use. Such advancements not only aim to enhance the clinical outcomes but also make the treatment more accessible and manageable for patients.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

Under the terms of their non-exclusive agreement, Syenex will provide Leucid with access to its VivoCell Platform and assist in developing tailored precision delivery vehicles specifically for Leucid’s lateral CAR-T candidates. A critical goal of this collaboration is to expedite the timeline for Leucid’s in vivo program, transitioning from initial proof-of-concept stages to Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies. This strategic shift will allow Leucid to maintain its commitment to clinical validation of LEU011, currently undergoing evaluation in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial known as the AERIAL trial, targeting patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors.

Insights from Company Leadership

Leucid Bio's Chief Executive Officer, Filippo Petti, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “LEU011 has shown promising results in terms of tolerability and functional activity within our ongoing AERIAL trial. Gaining access to Syenex’s innovative VivoCell Platform will be pivotal in maximizing the therapeutic impact of our CAR-T assets while steering us towards a more scalable and patient-friendly treatment format.