7 Hills Pharma Gets $4.7M Grant to Advance Cell/Gene Therapy to Clinic

Houston, June 3, 2024 – 7 Hills Pharma Inc., a company specializing in enhancing cancer immunotherapies, has been granted $4.7 million by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). This funding is intended to support the development of 7HP935, the company’s leading small molecule, through a Phase I clinical trial. Previously, the company’s work has garnered over $3.2 million from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, via several awards.

The company aims to improve the clinical use of cord blood and increase access to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), commonly known as bone marrow transplant. HSCT involves integrating cancer gene therapies with hematopoietic stem cell transplants. The procedure begins with chemotherapy or radiation to make room for new, healthy CD34+ stem cells. These new cells are then intravenously infused, aiming to restore the patient's blood and immune systems. However, this period between the transplant and engraftment is risky for patients due to potential infections and prolonged hospital stays. Up to 10% of patients may face 'graft failure,' necessitating a second CD34+ stem cell transplant.

In preclinical mouse models, the combination of 7HP935 with an umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ stem cell transplant significantly reduced the time needed for immune reconstitution. This could potentially lower infection risks and overall treatment costs. The flexibility and availability of umbilical cord blood, combined with the engraftment enhancement by 7HP935, could provide better solutions for patients, particularly those from ethnic minorities who often struggle to find matched donors.

Dr. Mary Laughlin from the Cleveland Cord Blood Center (CCBC) expressed optimism about this approach, emphasizing the flexibility of umbilical cord blood as a stem cell source. She believes 7HP935 can overcome the issue of slow stem cell engraftment, thus increasing the clinical use of umbilical cord blood.

Dr. Peter Vanderslice, co-founder of 7 Hills Pharma, highlighted the progress and potential of their technology. He noted that 7HP935 is the second molecule from the Texas Heart Institute (THI) to enter clinical trials with 7 Hills Pharma, following the promising results of 7HP349 (alintegimod). He also acknowledged CPRIT's recognition of the potential to address racial disparities in HSCT outcomes.

7 Hills Pharma is a clinical-stage company that focuses on developing small molecules to treat cancer and prevent infectious diseases. Their compounds, including 7HP935, activate integrins allosterically, enhancing cell interactions to boost immune responses and improve stem cell engraftment.

The Texas Heart Institute (THI), established by Dr. Denton A. Cooley, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health through innovative research, education, and patient care. THI is involved in various research areas, including cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, stem cell, and gene therapy. The institute also emphasizes public outreach and education on heart health.

Overall, this advancement in HSCT by 7 Hills Pharma, supported by CPRIT and earlier funding, holds promise for improving patient outcomes, reducing treatment costs, and addressing disparities in donor availability among minority populations.