Arovella Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:ALA) believes the combination of its invariant Natural Killer T cell (iNKT) platform with cytokine technology from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center could set it apart from other cell therapy biotechs.
New data has revealed the combination of iNKT cell therapy and UNC’s cytokine technology enhanced the persistence of iNKT cells while also enhancing anti-tumour activity in a mouse model.
UNC’s cytokine technology, which ALA optioned under the current agreement, incorporates the production of a specialised cytokine in iNKT cells and additional features to enhance its safety profile.
The company’s experiment resulted in “prolonged persistence of iNKT cells and higher iNKT cell numbers, correlating with significantly greater activity against tumours in mice”.
ALA has held an exclusive option to license UNC’s cytokine technology since an agreement was signed between the two parties in December 20, 2022.
“Compelling data, excellent evidence”
“The data is compelling and provides excellent support that this cytokine technology can enhance Arovella’s already highly potent iNKT cell platform,” Arovella Therapeutics CEO and managing director Dr Michael Baker said.
“We believe there is strong scientific support that incorporating the cytokine technology into Arovella’s iNKT cell platform may make our cancer-targeting technology even more effective for a range of cancer types, including solid tumours.”
ALA is the only company developing iNKT therapies in Australia and one of the few engaged globally.
Arovella’s successful experiment triggers a nominal $15,000 payment to UNC and represents an important step in incorporating the cytokine technology into ALA’s iNKT platform.
Arovella and UNC Lineberger are expected to proceed with their collaboration, aiming to reach a definitive licensing agreement, pending satisfactory due diligence from Arovella.