Lentigen
Corporation announced today it has obtained National Institutes of Health
(NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I funding to evaluate
the novel concept of using lentiviral-engineered T-cells that express
chimeric receptors and signaling modules to improve efficacy of cancer
immunotherapies directed against the tumor associated antigen, mesothelin.
Mesothelin serves as a potentially promising target in mesothelioma,
ovarian, squamous cell cancers of the head and neck, cervical, esophageal,
pancreatic and many non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The primary
collaborator on this award is Carl H. June M.D. of the University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
The ultimate goal for Lentigen and Dr. June's lab will be to
demonstrate that human T-cells can be modified using a lentiviral delivery
system to directly target cancers that express mesothelin. Success of this
program will offer a potentially relevant therapeutic approach to current
therapies, which are of limited effectiveness to many of the tumors noted
above.
Dr. June is currently Director of Translational Research at the
Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and Professor of
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Dr. June is world renowned for his work
in T-cell biology and testing novel forms of immunotherapy as treatments
for cancer and chronic infections.
Dr. Boro Dropulic, Lentigen founder and CEO, commented, "We are very
optimistic about the potential of chimeric receptors and signaling modules
within lentiviral-engineered T-cells and the potential ability to offer
improved efficacy for cancer immunotherapy directed against mesothelin, a
promising target in many cancer indications. Our relationship with Dr. June
and his lab continue to map the way for the advancement in the development
of novel cancer therapies."
About Lentiviral Vectors
Lentiviral vectors (LV) are vehicles that can deliver genes or RNAi
into cells with high efficiency and stability. Viral vector systems such as
non- viral, adenoviral and adeno-associated viral vectors are limited by
the poor stability of targeted genes in cells, while vectors such as murine
retroviral vectors can deliver genes stably, but not efficiently.
Gene delivery is accomplished by the binding and fusing of the LV
pseudotyped envelope protein to the target cell membrane. The LV RNA
containing the gene or gene silencing sequence is then incorporated into
the cell via reverse transcription creating a DNA complex. This complex
enters the nucleus incorporating into the chromosomal DNA creating a stable
molecule. The gene sequence is integrated in the chromosome and is copied
along with the DNA during ongoing cell division.
About Lentigen Corporation
Lentigen Corporation is a privately owned biotechnology company focused
on the manufacturing and development of lentiviral vectors using its
proprietary gene delivery technology for a wide range of applications in
biotechnology and medicine. Lentiviral vectors are highly adapted delivery
vehicles that can transport genes or gene silencing sequences into cells
with high efficiency and stability. Lentigen is positioning itself to
become the leading provider of lentiviral vector products and services for
academic, government, biotechnology and pharmaceutical researchers. For
further information, visit lentigen.
Lentigen Corporation
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