Australian company Cartherics has announced the grant of a European patent entitled 'Genetically modified cells and uses thereof' that it says covers aspects of its chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology.
The privately held company is developing cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. It has a portfolio of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell products.
The company's allogeneic ('off-the-shelf') cell platform is based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from donated cord blood that can be differentiated into NK cells, T cells and other cells of the immune system.
It said the new European patent is particularly related to its CAR directed against the tumour-associated antigen, TAG-72, adding it is now part of a "substantial patent family" across jurisdictions that include the US, Japan, and Australia.
The company said its CAR-T and CAR-NK cells have demonstrated compelling anti-tumour activity and that it anticipates that the first of the candidates will be ready to enter clinical trials within the next two years.
CEO Professor Alan Trounson said, “The Cartherics team has worked diligently over the past several years to establish CAR-T and CAR-NK cell technologies and develop a suitable portfolio of intellectual property. This European patent will be just the first of many to secure our position in the field.”
Chair Bob Moses added, “Cartherics has invested in both internal and external patent advisors to work with our scientists to generate and protect our increasingly valuable portfolio of innovations. It’s great to see this investment bearing fruit.”