Xcell Biosciences, a San Francisco-based instrumentation company focused on cell and gene therapy applications, has announced a strategic collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, to advance research in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).
While significant progress has been made in the cell therapy space leveraging Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR T) cells, this collaboration aims to advance Treg and TIL cell therapies that specialise in combating autoimmune and solid tumour diseases.
With solid tumours representing approximately 90 percent of adult cancers and instances of autoimmune diseases on the rise worldwide, this collaboration looks to target a crucial area for improving global health.
Leveraging the strengths of both companies, the joint research will focus on developing new methodologies to enhance the efficacy of Tregs and TILs in therapeutic applications. The collaboration also seeks to streamline workflows while improving scalability and reproducibility in cell therapy manufacturing to help make these critical treatments more accessible to patients.
"By leveraging our AVATAR™ cell therapy manufacturing platform, we aim to push the boundaries of what is possible in cell and gene therapy. This partnership will enable us to develop more effective treatments for patients in need,” said Shannon Eaker, chief technology officer at Xcell Biosciences.
“Xcellbio's interest in utilizing our Gibco™ CTS™ Detachable Dynabeads™ platform within Thermo Fisher Scientific’s modular, closed and automated cell therapy manufacturing workflow is a testament to the strength of our technologies,” said Andy Campbell, senior director of research and development at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
