Initiation of cell therapy research and
development program for adult T-Cell leukemia / lymphoma
(ATLL)
TOKYO, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Cancer
Center (Tokyo, Japan) and The
University of Pennsylvania
(Philadelphia, PA, USA) have
licensed patent rights directed to a chimeric antigen
receptor T cell therapy that targets the chemokine receptor
CCR4 (CCR4 CAR-T cell therapy) to ARC Therapies Inc. (CEO:
Rami Suzuki, Headquarters:
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), a startup
originating from the National Cancer Center. This agreement marks
the commencement of ARC Therapies, Inc.'s research and development
of a cell therapy targeting T-cell cancers, including adult T-cell
leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), which is prevalent in Japan. Furthermore, the potential application
of CCR4 CAR-T cell therapy to solid cancers will also be
pursued.
The National Cancer Center, established in 1962, is a leading
cancer institute in Japan. The
University of Pennsylvania pioneered
the foundational research and co-development activities that led to
the first CAR-T cell approved by the FDA in 2017 and continues to
be a leader in CAR-T cell research, including next-generation
therapies. ARC Therapies Inc., established in May 2022, is a National Cancer Center
Japan-certified startup that promotes the research and clinical
development of new cell therapies using cutting-edge research.
Hiroyuki Mano, Director of the
National Cancer Center Research Institute, commented:
"At the National Cancer Center, we are consistently promoting a
comprehensive approach from understanding the mechanisms of
carcinogenesis to the development of treatment and diagnostic
methods for various cancers. We are pleased that one of the
outcomes of our international collaborative research, the CCR4
CAR-T cell therapy, has led to a licensing arrangement for the
development of potential new treatments by a startup originating
from the National Cancer Center. We expect this arrangement to
accelerate the practical application of new T-cell therapies
originating from the National Cancer Center."
Rami Suzuki, CEO of ARC Therapies
Inc., commented:
"We are committed to the research and development of the CCR4
CAR-T cell therapy licensed from the National Cancer Center and the
University of Pennsylvania. The
potential long-lasting efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell
therapy is well-known, and we hope that our efforts will provide
valuable treatment options for cancer patients."
Glossary:
*1 CCR4:
CCR4 is a chemokine receptor primarily expressed on lymphocytes
that migrate to the skin. It is found on the surface of cells in
Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL), Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
(PTCL), and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL). The anti-CCR4
antibody "mogamulizumab" is approved as a therapeutic drug for the
aforementioned three types of cancer. Additionally, CCR4 is
expressed on regulatory T cells surrounding tumors, indicating
potential for solid cancer treatment through regulatory T cell
removal therapy.
*2 CCR4 CAR-T cell therapy:
Recombinant T cells will be created by introducing a gene that
combines an antibody (single chain) that binds specifically to CCR4
with an intracellular signal transduction domain into leukocytes
collected from the patient. When injected into the patient, it is
hoped that these cells will migrate and accumulate in tumor tissues
expressing CCR4, become activated, and attack the cancer.
*3 Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL):
ATLL is a T-cell lymphomas/ lymphoid malignancies (neoplasms)
that develops in patients infected with Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus
Type 1 (HTLV-1). HTLV-1 infection is observed in specific regions
of Japan, making ATLL a
characteristic tumor of Japan. The
government is focusing on countermeasures as a national issue.
Although anti-CCR4 antibody treatment has been successful for
blood-type ATLL, recurrence remains a problem, and there is
currently no effective treatment for lymphoma-type ATLL.
University of Pennsylvania Financial
Disclosure:
Penn may receive forward-looking
financial consideration related to the licensing of certain
Penn intellectual property to ARC
Therapies, Inc.
Enquiries
Keisuke Watanabe, MD PhD
Senior Staff Scientist at the National Cancer Center Research
Institute
E-mail: keiswata@ncc.go.jp
Office of Public Relations, Strategic Planning Bureau,
National Cancer Center (Tsukiji Campus)
E-mail： ncc-admin@ncc.go.jp
ARC Therapies Inc.
Rami Suzuki
CEO of ARC Therapies Inc.
E-mail： rami.suzuki@acrtherapies.inc
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/patent-rights-jointly-owned-by-the-national-cancer-center-and-the-university-of-pennsylvania-licensed-to-arc-therapies-inc-302194547.html
SOURCE ARC Therapies Inc.