A consortium led by OneChain Immunotherapeutics (OCI), a spin-off of the Josep Carreras Institute (IJC) and member of CataloniaBio & HealthTech, has received support from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities to bring to clinical phase an innovative therapy that could treat up to 80% of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a rare condition that affects children (60%) and adults, and has few therapeutic options. The project, which will last for three years, will involve the participation of the IJC and the Blood and Tissue Bank.
The treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, one of the most aggressive forms of leukemia, has historically relied on intensive chemotherapy. However, despite improvements in survival rates, this therapy carries devastating effects for patients. Additionally, a significant percentage does not respond to treatment. "For patients who have experienced a relapse, finding effective treatments is particularly difficult," explains Víctor M. Díaz, the company's research director. "Our therapy represents hope for them."
OCI's approach is based on CAR-T technology, a type of immunotherapy that involves extracting immune cells from the patient's own body, modifying them in the laboratory to enhance their ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. This strategy has already shown promising results in other forms of leukemia and lymphomas. "Our intention is to develop this therapy over the three years of the project to conduct a first clinical trial in humans," adds Díaz.
Comments