Anti-Cancer, Universal CAR-T cells, Controlled with Image Guided Novel 'ON-OFF' Nano-Switch [iNOONS]
Tech ID: 18-086
Inventor: Dr. Prakash Nallathamby
Date Added: October 23, 2020
Overview
A nano-particle that is designed to bind to T-Cells in cancer therapy, reducing the chance of a cytokine storm
Technology Summary
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell cancer treatments are known as some of the most effective therapies. However, the biggest concern for widespread CAR-T cell therapy against solid tumor is the persistent ON state of activated CAR-T cells, leading to “cytokine storms”, an overreaction of the body’s immune system resulting in systemic inflammation and death. There is an urgent need to reduce the risk of cytokine storm as the cytokine-release side effects are life-threatening and occur in 78% of patients.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed an image-guided Novel 'ON-OFF' Nano-Switch (iNOONS) system that will reduce the chances of a cytokine storm during CAR-T therapy. The iNOONS has two nanoparticle components: 1) a 2-faced nanoparticle (iNOONS-Anchors) with one face bound to tumor specific biomarkers, to guide CAR T-cells to the tumors; and 2) a nano-activator (n-Activators) to turn the CAR-T cells ON and OFF at the tumor site.
Market Advantages
- Universal CAR-T (uCAR-T) cell line has low alloreactivity and will cut down the time and money required to engineer CAR-T cells for each patient
- iNOONS with tumor targeting antibodies and uCAR-T capturing molecules can be rapidly synthesized in a scalable manner (<24h).
- This technology is can also be adapted to attack different tumors in much less time (5 days) than other competing technologies like CRISPR-cas edited T-cells (3 weeks).
Market Opportunities
- Homing beacon for universal CAR-T cell therapy for any cancer that can be targeted by iNOONs
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 3 – Proof-of-Concept Demonstrated
Intellectual Property Status
N/A
Publications
N/A
Contact
Richard Cox
rcox4@nd.edu
574.631.5158