Regulating Cell and Gene Therapy Activity

“We are focused on developing the next generation of both cell and gene therapies where the activity of those therapies can be regulated in the same way that you would regulate the use of a small molecule in a dose dependent manner in patients. And the advantage that gives us is that we can control these therapies now, like they've never been controlled before.”

Obsidian Therapeutics is targeting oncologic indications with cell and gene therapies developed with the use of their cytoDRIVE platform. Their lead program, cytoTIL15, is a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies for melanoma as well as preclinical studies for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and discovery phases for other oncologic indications.

Obsidian presented data on cytoTIL15 at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress, September 16-21, 2021. The presentation showcased cytoTIL15’s cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell phenotype and its anti-tumor cytotoxicity and polyfunctionality that offers it advantages over other TILs. The therapy also demonstrated favorable antigen-independent expansion and persistence.

GeneTherapyLive spoke with Paul Wotton, PhD, chief executive officer, Obsidian Therapeutics, to learn more about Obsidian’s programs and technologies. He also discussed partnerships the company has formed to collaborate on their cell and gene therapies in development.

REFERENCE

Obsidian Therapeutics to present preclinical data from cytoTIL15 program at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2021. News release. Obsidian Therapeutics. September 15, 2021. https://obsidiantx.com/2021/09/15/obsidian-therapeutics-to-present-preclinical-data-from-cytotil15-program-at-the-european-society-for-medical-oncology-congress-2021/