Myeloma Fund Backs Dynamic Cell Therapies for CAR-T Innovations

Dynamic Cell Therapies (DCT), based in Watertown, Massachusetts, has received a $1 million investment from the Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF), a venture philanthropy arm of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). This funding aims to expedite the development of innovative CAR-T cell therapies for multiple myeloma patients. DCT is focused on creating technology platforms that enable CAR-T cells to target distinct and varied tumor markers, potentially resulting in more enduring treatment responses. Their proprietary CAR-T cells have shown greater efficacy compared to FDA-approved CAR-T cells in preclinical animal studies. These advancements are expected to enhance both the safety and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapies, with immediate implications for patients suffering from hematological cancers like multiple myeloma. With the new investment, DCT aims to bring a new product to clinical use within the next two years.

Fred Mermelstein, Ph.D., the CEO of DCT, highlighted the ongoing challenge of relapse in multiple myeloma patients despite existing CAR-T cell therapies. He emphasized that the support from MMRF and MIF would provide invaluable expertise, accelerating the development of advanced CAR-T cell therapies for those with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Michael Andreini, President and CEO of MMRF, echoed this sentiment. He expressed enthusiasm for DCT's pioneering cellular therapy approach, viewing it as a potentially transformative solution for patients who face relapse after initial treatments.

The Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF) focuses on investing in promising companies, clinical assets, and technologies within oncology to foster the development of new multiple myeloma therapies. MIF works closely with its portfolio companies to advance myeloma research. Entirely supported by philanthropy, this evergreen fund reinvests all profits back into research, aiming for more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for every patient.

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) stands as the world's largest nonprofit dedicated solely to accelerating a cure for multiple myeloma. The organization drives the development of next-generation therapies, employs data to pinpoint optimal and personalized treatment strategies, and provides information and resources to extend the lives of myeloma patients and the wider community. A core aspect of MMRF's mission is to advance health equity, ensuring that all myeloma patients benefit from scientific and clinical advancements. Since its inception, MMRF has committed over $600 million to research, launched nearly 100 clinical trials, and helped bring more than 15 FDA-approved therapies to market, significantly increasing the life expectancy of myeloma patients.

Dynamic Cell Therapies (DCT) is a pre-clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in engineering CAR-T cells to address unmet medical needs in cancer and autoimmune disease patients. DCT has licensed technology from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, including redirectable CAR-T cell and private cytokine signaling technologies. These technologies are designed to maximize tumor cell eradication while minimizing toxicity. Private cytokine signaling aims to enhance memory cell populations, thereby extending the persistence and durability of CAR-T cells. DCT is developing these technologies separately and in combination to fine-tune the control of CAR-T cell identity and activity.

With these advancements and the backing of significant investments, DCT is poised to make substantial strides in CAR-T cell therapy, offering new hope to patients struggling with hematological cancers, particularly multiple myeloma.