Elpis Biopharmaceuticals and Singapore General Hospital Collaborate on Allogeneic CAR Technology Development

Elpis Biopharmaceuticals, a company involved in the development of advanced cell therapies for cancer, has announced a new partnership with Singapore General Hospital (SGH) aimed at pioneering innovative CAR-γδT therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma (MM). The collaboration will focus on advancing cutting-edge allogeneic CAR technologies, specifically an armored CAR-γδT and a bi-specific CAR-γδT targeting these hematologic malignancies.

The partnership agreement involves Elpis providing its innovative armored and bispecific CAR technologies to SGH through a completed technology transfer. SGH will utilize its established γδT platform and extensive clinical knowledge to push forward the development of these therapies into separate investigator-led trials. Both parties are optimistic about the potential outcomes and have expressed interest in possibly forming a joint venture to further develop and commercialize the treatments if initial data proves promising.

Assistant Professor Alice Cheung, the scientific lead at SGH, highlighted the potential of CAR-γδTs in revolutionizing cancer treatment due to their capability to engage multiple components of the immune system. Assistant Professor Chen Yunxin, a senior consultant at SGH, expressed the collaboration's goal of creating potent and long-lasting cell therapies for AML and MM. By employing robust immune modulation strategies, the aim is to boost antitumor activity and enhance patient outcomes.

Elpis Biopharmaceuticals has developed a range of proprietary technologies designed to harness the full potential of CAR-T therapies in treating various tumors and immune cell types. These innovations aim to tackle significant challenges such as immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment and the variability of tumor antigens. Their precision engineering approach enhances the persistence of CAR-engineered immune cells and the activity of bystander immune cells.

Yan Chen, founder and CEO of Elpis, emphasized the company's commitment to advancing CAR-γδTs by integrating cell type-specific, multi-mechanism armor with bi-specific tumor-targeting antibodies. These technological advancements are intended to overcome numerous resistance mechanisms, delivering safer and more effective therapies at a lower cost compared to traditional autologous CAR-T treatments. The collaboration with SGH is set to explore clinical trials for the treatment of AML and MM with these novel therapies.

Elpis Biopharmaceuticals, headquartered in both Lexington, Massachusetts, and Singapore, is at the forefront of developing next-generation cell therapies targeting solid tumors. Their pipeline includes bispecific armored CAR-T therapies designed to address tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive environment within tumors. The company's proprietary platforms include multi-mechanism armor technology, bispecific targeting antibodies, a cytokine cocktail-based cell manufacturing process, and a rapid mRNA display discovery engine, all working together to provide safer and more durable therapeutic responses. Elpis's leading programs focus on treatments for glioblastoma and a range of solid tumors.

Singapore General Hospital, the largest tertiary hospital in Singapore, has a history dating back to 1821. It is renowned for its comprehensive patient-centered care across numerous clinical specialties. As an Academic Medical Centre, SGH is dedicated to training healthcare professionals and conducting pioneering research to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the region. With over two centuries of experience, SGH continues to uphold its commitment to healing and providing hope.