Minaris to accelerate clinical readiness of LIfT BioSciences’ cell therapy candidate
LIfT BioSciences was set up to develop a new type of adaptable cell therapy with a broad killing mechanism that continues to kill even as the tumour adapts. The UK headquartered company is now moving into first-in-human trials with an allogeneic neutrophil progenitor-based cell therapy. Its neutrophil progenitor-based leukocyte infusion therapy is targeted at the treatment pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and other solid tumours.
Under the terms of the agreement, Minaris, in conjunction with LIfT BioSciences, will develop a GMP compliant manufacturing process to supply LIfT’s clinical trial programs in Europe, currently anticipated to start in Q1 2024.
Activating the adaptive immune system
N-LIfT is made from immunomodulatory alpha neutrophils committed myeloid progenitors (IMANp) that are manufactured ex vivo from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) of healthy donors who exhibit exceptional innate cancer killing properties. The developer said the mechanism of action of N-LIfT allows the product to work effectively through the innate immune pathway as well as activating multiple other factors of the adaptive immune system.
“Following very strong preclinical results, we are now moving into producing GMP grade product as we prepare for clinical trials early next year. Our mission to destroy all solid tumours irrespective of where the tumour is or how it adapts is looking more and more achievable,” said Alex Blyth, CEO of LIfT BioSciences. “We are confident that Minaris’ extensive track record in process development, clinical, and commercial manufacturing will generate a scalable and cost-effective GMP-process and accelerate our clinical readiness.”
“We share LIfT’s enthusiasm about their unique IMANs and their demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic and immunomodulatory properties,” said Dusan Kosijer, CEO of Minaris, which is part of the Resonac Group. The cell and gene therapy specialist has a global presence, with facilities in the New Jersey and California, in the US, and in Germany and Japan.
