Our Technology
Dynamic Controllable CAR T Cell System
Our technology platform uncouples tumor targeting from CAR T cell activation. Each CAR T cell recognizes an inert small molecule. This small molecule is conjugated to a tumor-specific antibody. By dosing the small molecule-antibody conjugate, the physician can dynamically control CAR T cell activity and minimize the risk of life threatening side effects. The activity of the controllable CAR T cell system can be titrated by dosing the small molecule-antibody conjugate to maximize tumor cell killing while minimizing toxicity.
How it Works
Safe: By recognizing small molecules, CAR T cells do not cross react with normal tissue.
Dosable: CAR T cell activity is proportional to the number of small molecule-antibody conjugates.
Specific: The small molecule-antibody conjugates bind to a specific tumor cell antigen.
Selective: When small molecule-antibody conjugates bind to tumor cells, CAR T cells recognize the small molecules selectively associated with tumors.
Deadly: CAR T cells release perforins which punch holes in the tumor cell membrane resulting in cell death.
Effective: Activated CAR T cells release cytokines to recruit and stimulate the body’s natural immune cells to participate in the attack against cancer cells.
Redirectable: If the tumor cells evade recognition, a new small molecule antibody conjugate can be administered targeting a different antigen. Additional leukapheresis is not required.
Multiplexable: Multiple different antibodies targeting various antigens coupled to the same small molecule can be dosed together. Antibodies against different tumor antigens can be chosen to maximize on-target on-tumor CAR T cell activity and minimize on-target off-tumor toxicities. For example, one antibody can possess specific on-target off-tumor reactivity, and a second antibody can be chosen for a different set of on-target off-tumor properties. In this way, the physician can maximize efficacy and limit toxicity.