Journal Reveals Placental T Cells Benefits for CAR-T Therapy

Celularity Inc., a company focusing on regenerative and cellular medicine, has presented promising data in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer that underscores the potential benefits of their placental-derived T-Cell platform for next-generation immunotherapies, including CAR-T therapies. These findings highlight significant advantages of using placental T cells over traditional CAR-T cells derived from adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

The research compared CAR-T cells created from Celularity’s proprietary T-Cell platform with those generated from healthy adult PBMCs. Notably, the CAR-T cells from the placental platform exhibited several superior traits. They maintained stemness, had longer telomeres, and showed increased resistance to exhaustion and immune checkpoint upregulation. These characteristics are crucial as they contribute to the cells' longevity and effectiveness in the body. Additionally, the placental-derived CAR-T cells demonstrated an attenuated cytokine response, which did not compromise their cytotoxic abilities. This resulted in enhanced and prolonged in vivo efficacy and persistence compared to CAR-T cells derived from adult PBMCs.

Dr. Robert Hariri, the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Celularity, emphasized the importance of these findings. He stated that the study differentiates the placenta as a viable and potentially superior source of cells for immunotherapy. The inherent advantages of the placental T-Cell platform, such as improved persistence and durability with an enhanced safety profile, make it a promising candidate for developing more effective CAR-T therapies. Dr. Hariri also highlighted the scalability and consistency in manufacturing that the placental platform offers, which could significantly impact the economics of delivering these therapies.

Celularity's innovative approach focuses on utilizing the postpartum placenta to develop and commercialize advanced biomaterial products and cell therapies. Their therapeutic programs target a wide range of aging-related diseases, including degenerative diseases, cancer, and immune disorders. By harnessing the unique biological properties and ready availability of the placenta, Celularity aims to create effective, accessible, and affordable therapeutic solutions.

The company’s product portfolio includes mesenchymal-like adherent stromal cells (MLASCs), T-cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells), and both genetically modified and unmodified natural killer (NK) cells. This diverse range of products underscores Celularity’s commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs globally.

Celularity's focus on the placenta's potential is a strategic move in the cellular medicine industry. The placenta's biological properties make it a rich source of cells that can be used for a variety of therapeutic applications. The company’s advancements in placental-derived cell therapies are not only pushing the boundaries of current immunotherapy but also setting new standards for future treatments.

In conclusion, Celularity’s recent publication in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer highlights the substantial potential of their placental T-Cell platform. The demonstrated advantages in persistence, resistance to exhaustion, and overall efficacy mark a significant step forward in the development of next-generation CAR-T therapies. As Celularity continues to refine and expand its placental-derived cell therapies, the promise of more effective and scalable treatments appears increasingly within reach.