Summary of the Conference Call on Cell Therapy and Autoimmune Diseases Industry Overview - The discussion focuses on the emerging field of cell therapy, particularly T cell engagers and CAR T therapies, and their applications in treating autoimmune diseases alongside oncology applications [1][2]. Key Companies and Their Innovations Cullinan - Cullinan is exploring T cell engagers to redirect T cells for depleting aberrant immune cells, particularly B cells, in autoimmune diseases [3]. - The company aims to make T cell redirecting therapies accessible in community-based centers, enhancing patient access [3]. Autolus - Autolus has launched a CD19 CAR T product approved for acute leukemia, demonstrating a strong safety profile and exceptional activity, leading to long-term remissions in advanced disease patients [4][5]. - The company is also looking to expand into the autoimmune space, believing that their product's features will be beneficial [6]. Caballetta - Caballetta focuses on developing cellular therapies specifically for autoimmune diseases, with their lead product ResiCel entering phase three trials for myositis [9][10]. - The company has agreements with the FDA for multiple cohorts in various trials, targeting diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis [11]. Core Insights and Arguments - The panelists agree on the significant unmet need in autoimmune diseases and the potential for their therapies to provide meaningful clinical advances [8]. - T cell engagers have shown promise in achieving disease-modifying benefits, with reports indicating deep B cell depletion and symptom improvement in treated patients [14][15]. - The safety profile of these therapies is emphasized as a key differentiator in a market with high unmet needs [11][12]. Clinical Development and Regulatory Pathways - The discussion highlights the importance of understanding patient subtypes and tailoring treatment strategies based on disease severity and pathology [41]. - There is a consensus that the regulatory path for T cell engagers may differ from traditional drug approvals, with a focus on therapeutic benefit and safety [63][64]. Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The panelists predict a competitive landscape in the autoimmune therapy market, with multiple modalities coexisting rather than competing fiercely [13]. - The potential for bispecific therapies to transform treatment paradigms is acknowledged, with expectations for improved efficacy and safety profiles [32][38]. - The market for autoimmune therapies is seen as distinct from oncology, with different pricing and patient demographics influencing market strategies [30][31]. Additional Considerations - The importance of biomarkers in identifying suitable patients for different therapies is highlighted, with ongoing research expected to refine patient selection [25][41]. - The need for collaboration between hematologists and rheumatologists is emphasized to facilitate patient enrollment in clinical trials [58][61]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, providing insights into the current state and future potential of cell therapies in treating autoimmune diseases.

ZURICH, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VERAXA Biotech AG (“VERAXA”), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies and proposed de-SPAC acquisition target of Voyager Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:VACH, “Voyager”), announced today the appointment of Rick Austin, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer, effective May 1st. Dr. Austin brings more than 25 years of leadership across oncology discovery and early development and will play a key role In advancing VERAXA's BiTAC platform and clinical-stage pipeline. ...

Focused on evaluation of strategic alternatives, with restructuring and closure of the Netherlands operationsEnrollment in LAVA-1266 Phase 1 continues to progressCash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $66.6 million as of March 31, 2025 expected to fund operations into 2027 UTRECHT, The Netherlands and PHILADELPHIA, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  LAVA Therapeutics N.V. (NASDAQ: LVTX, “LAVA,” “the Company”), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on its proprietary Gammabody® bispec ...

Core Insights - Medigene AG and EpimAb Biotherapeutics have entered a strategic co-development agreement to create off-the-shelf T cell receptor-guided T Cell Engagers (TCR-TCEs) aimed at treating immune-related disorders, particularly solid tumors [1][2]. Company Overview - Medigene AG specializes in immuno-oncology, focusing on developing TCR-guided therapies that effectively eliminate cancer. The company utilizes its End-to-End Platform to generate optimal TCRs characterized by sensitivity, specificity, and safety [4]. - EpimAb Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops multispecific antibodies, leveraging proprietary platforms to advance a unique pipeline of preclinical and clinical assets targeting cancer [5]. Collaboration Details - The collaboration combines Medigene's TCR generation capabilities with EpimAb's CD3 antibody and T-FIT platform, aiming to produce bispecific therapeutics that offer targeted immune responses while minimizing off-target effects [2][3]. - Both companies will equally own the TCR-TCE constructs developed through this partnership, emphasizing a shared commitment to innovation in cancer treatment [2][3]. Market Potential - The bispecific therapy market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.9% from 2023 to 2030, with an estimated market value exceeding USD 80 billion by 2030, indicating significant potential for improving patient outcomes in cancer treatment [4]. - Over 5 million cancer patients globally face low five-year survival rates, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapies like bispecific TCR-TCEs that utilize the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells [3]. Technology Insights - TCR-TCEs represent a novel immunotherapy approach that utilizes the specificity of TCRs to direct T cells towards cancer cells, allowing for a broader range of targetable antigens compared to conventional antibodies [6][8]. - The TCR-TCEs activate the patient's T cells through binding to cancer-specific antigens, leading to the release of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules that facilitate the destruction of cancer cells [8][9].