Caring Cross & ImmunoACT Partner to Develop TriCAR-T Cell Immunotherapy

This partnership signals a pivotal step forward in advancing treatment options for patients battling these challenging blood cancers.

In a significant collaboration, Caring Cross and ImmunoACT have joined forces to develop and commercialize TriCAR-T cell immunotherapy for leukemia and lymphoma. 

This partnership seeks to advance treatment options for patients battling these blood cancers.

The TriCAR-T immunotherapy is designed to tackle the issue of relapse often encountered with current single-target CAR-T cell therapies. This approach aims to enhance patient outcomes by targeting multiple antigens, offering a potential solution to the limitations of existing treatments.

Sharing thoughts, Boro Dropulic, cofounder and executive director, Caring Cross, said, "We are excited to work with ImmunoACT to commercialize a dedicated proprietary TriCAR-T cell therapy in India, which we anticipate will decrease the rate of relapse seen with current single-targeted anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapies."

He further noted that this global partnership model aims to improve access to CAR-T cell therapies by developing CAR-T cell manufacturing technologies and providing therapeutic candidates that are affordable in countries such as India. 

On the partnership, Prof Rahul Puwar, founder of ImmunoACT, said, "We are delighted to work with Caring Cross to bring next-generation CAR-T therapies to India, which will enable cost-effective local production and improved access to these advanced medicines."

How does CAR-T Cell Therapy Work?

CAR-T therapy is recommended for patients with B-cell lymphomas or B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have not responded to traditional therapies such as chemotherapy, resulting in a relapse or recurrence of cancer.

The therapy directs T cells to target and destroy specific cancer cells. A Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) protein is added to T cells during manufacturing, functioning as a sensor with three parts. 

First, it is for recognizing cancer cell antigens; second, it signals T cell activation upon antigen binding; and third, it enhances the signal and survival of T cells.

These modified "CAR T cells" scan the cancer cells with the designated antigen. Upon identification, the CAR T cells activate, multiply, and release cytokine signals, rallying other immune system components to join the attack.

Recently, Bengaluru-based Cytecare Hospitals partnered with ImmunoACT to introduce CAR-T cell therapy, offering hope to patients battling refractory or relapsing B-cell lymphoma and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

Additionally, Mumbai-based PD Hinduja Hospital launched CAR-T cell therapy with ImmunoACT, providing advanced medical care to patients with limited treatment options.