CytoMed Therapeutics Acquires Cord Blood Banking Licence and Assets to Entrench Its Strategy in Allogeneic, Off-the-shelf Donor-derived Gamma Delta (γδ) T Cells Technology for Solid and Liquid Cancers

Core Insights - CytoMed Therapeutics Limited has acquired the license and certain assets of Cellsafe International Sdn Bhd for approximately RM 2.3 million (US$ 490,000), aiming to enhance its capabilities in developing γδ T cell therapies for cancer treatment [4][21] - The company has received a patent for its iPSC-derived hybrid γδ NKT cells technology, which targets both solid and hematological cancers, expanding its intellectual property portfolio [1][9][18] - CytoMed plans to leverage umbilical cord blood as a valuable resource for producing immune T cells, thereby enhancing the therapeutic potential of cord blood banking [2][14][22] Company Developments - The acquisition includes a cord blood banking license, cryopreservation equipment with over 12,000 cord blood units (CBUs), and two real estate properties [13] - CytoMed aims to be a leading player in γδ T cell technology, focusing on producing clinically relevant numbers of GMP-grade γδ T cells from various sources, including adult peripheral blood and iPSCs [14][19] - The company is conducting the ANGELICA Trial, a phase 1 clinical trial in Singapore, focusing on CAR-T therapies [6][7] Technology and Innovation - γδ T cells, which account for 1% to 5% of body T cells, possess innate tumor recognition capabilities and robust cytotoxic activity against various cancer types [5] - The newly granted patent allows for the generation of hybrid γδ NKT cells without gene editing, providing a platform for potential gene editing in the future [9][18] - CytoMed's proprietary technologies are inspired by the clinical success of existing CAR-T therapies, aiming to address limitations in treating solid tumors [19] Strategic Vision - The company intends to seek strategic partners to develop and grow its subsidiary as a specialized umbilical cord blood-derived immune cell bank [21] - CytoMed's management has shown commitment by obtaining board approval to invest up to a 7% stake in the venture, reflecting confidence in the growth potential [8] - The company is positioned to repurpose cryopreserved assets from cord blood banks, changing the traditional business model of cord blood banking [15][22]