Pluri Inc., a forward-thinking biotechnology firm, has recently announced a groundbreaking collaborative project with Bar-Ilan University’s Research and Development Company (BIRAD). This innovative endeavor aims to develop cutting-edge allogeneic cell therapies specifically targeting solid tumors, a persistent challenge in oncology. The noteworthy collaboration receives backing from the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) and focuses on utilizing Placental Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells. These MAIT cells have demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity, although their clinical application has historically faced obstacles due to challenges in expansion and scalability. However, Pluri’s proprietary technology addresses these challenges by efficiently cultivating MAIT cells from human placentas.
Further enhancing the promise of this collaboration, the project will integrate Prof. Cyrille Cohen’s Siglec-based Chimeric Switch Receptors (CCR) into Pluri’s CAR-MAIT cell therapy platform. This integration is anticipated to markedly improve the efficacy and specificity of CAR-MAIT cells in targeting and treating solid tumors, thereby potentially achieving the level of success in solid tumor immunotherapy that has been observed in blood cancers. Prof. Cohen expressed his excitement over the potential of this combined technology, underscoring the significant advancements it may bring to the field of cancer treatment.
The initiative is viewed as a significant progression towards creating off-the-shelf CAR T-cell therapies that more effectively target solid tumors, addressing a crucial area of unmet need in cancer treatment. Yaky Yanay, CEO and President of Pluri, emphasized the collaboration’s potential to generate more effective immunotherapies for cancer patients. He also lauded the IIA’s recognition and support of this innovative project. This partnership signifies a pivotal effort to overcome existing limitations in solid tumor immunotherapy by leveraging advanced cell cultivation techniques and novel receptor technology.
In summary, the collaborative project between Pluri Inc. and Bar-Ilan University represents a promising advancement in the quest to combat solid tumors through sophisticated cell therapies. The aim is to produce treatments that are notably more efficacious and specific, ultimately contributing to the broader trend of developing innovative and effective cell therapies for cancer patients.
