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Zelluna announces collaboration with Etcembly for AI-enabled TCR engineering
Globenewswire· 2026-03-09 07:00
Core Insights - Zelluna has announced a collaboration with Etcembly Ltd to engineer high-affinity, tumour-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) targeting KKLC1, a validated cancer antigen found in multiple difficult-to-treat solid tumours [1][3][4] Company Overview - Zelluna ASA specializes in allogeneic "off-the-shelf" T Cell Receptor-based Natural Killer (TCR-NK) cell therapies aimed at treating solid cancers [1][12] - The company's lead product candidate, ZI-MA4-1, targets the MAGE-A4 cancer antigen and received approval from the UK MHRA to initiate clinical testing in February 2026 [4][12] Collaboration Details - The collaboration with Etcembly will focus on developing TCRs for KKLC1, expanding Zelluna's product portfolio beyond MAGE-A4 to address a broader range of solid cancers [3][4] - In-vitro data demonstrating safety, specificity, and functional activity of the engineered receptors is expected in Q4 2026 [3] Technology and Innovation - Etcembly's EMLy™ platform utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize TCR design, enhancing specificity and potency while reducing unintended effects [6][13] - The collaboration aims to leverage AI-guided TCR engineering to accelerate the development of effective cancer treatments [5][9] Market Potential - By targeting KKLC1, Zelluna aims to address cancers that currently lack effective treatment options, thereby expanding its reach within the oncology market [4][7]