MatchBio spinout set to revolutionise immunotherapy

29th July 2024

A new company, MatchBio, founded by Professors Omer Dushek and Anton van der Merwe from the Dunn School of Pathology, is set to revolutionise immunotherapy by enhancing CAR T therapy.

Breakthrough in CAR-T Therapy

T cells, essential components of the immune system, patrol the body to identify and destroy abnormal cells, including those that are infected or cancerous. They recognise these cells through antigens present on their surfaces. CAR T therapy amplifies this natural process by genetically modifying T cells to target specific cancer antigens, which standard T cells often miss.

Despite the success of CAR T therapy, many patients face relapse as cancer cells can reduce antigen expression to avoid detection. This process, known as ‘antigen escape,’ underscores the necessity for more sensitive CARs that can detect and destroy low-antigen cancer cells, thereby preventing relapses and expanding treatment options for various cancers.

The Genesis of MatchBio

MatchBio, officially launched in January 2024 with a £4.5M investment from Oxford Science Enterprises, aims to overcome these challenges. By employing cutting-edge technologies, the company is developing CAR-T cells with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. This innovation not only seeks to reduce cancer relapses by making it harder for cancer cells to evade detection but also holds promise for treating difficult infections and autoimmune diseases.

Professors Dushek and van der Merwe, leaders in the field of immunology, have been at the forefront of this research. Their work at the Dunn School has focused on various aspects of the basic science underlying how T cells recognise and respond to abnormal infected or cancerous cells. The research funded by the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council, and the Guy Newton Trust, has laid the groundwork for the advancements now being pursued by MatchBio.

MatchBio’s innovative approach is poised to significantly impact the field of immunotherapy, offering new hope for patients facing cancer and other serious health conditions.

Find out more: https://www.matchbiotx.com/

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