Biopharma and Life Science companies in the BioHealth Capital Region are known for their work with cutting edge technologies such as gene and cell therapies. Those strengths were on display at the 6th annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum.
The Strengths of our Region: Cutting Edge Therapies panel, which was moderated by Mark Cobbold, vice president of Discovery in Early Oncology at AstraZeneca, brought together leaders from three other companies to discuss their disruptive pipelines, the strength of the region and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cobbold touted the work performed by the three companies joining him on the panel, Cartesian Therapeutics, Adaptive Phage Therapeutics, and Ziel Bio. Pointing to the work being done by those three companies and AstraZeneca, Cobbold said they are representative of why the BioHealth Capital Region has become one of the most successful BioHubs in the United States.
Youre really pushing the boundaries of whats possible in treating patients, Cobbold told the panelists.
Murat Kalayoglu, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaithersburg, Md.-based Cartesian Therapeutics, noted his companys attempts to develop CAR-T treatments for autoimmune diseases, a first-of-its-kind attempt, as well as for respiratory diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is associated with COVID-19. Kalayoglu said the concept for the ARDS CAR-T program went from concept to the clinic in a matter of about seven months, making it the first engineered cell therapy in respiratory disease. He said that would not have happened had the company not been flexible in its attempts to combat COVID-19.
Over the past few years, CAR-T treatments have become promising therapies for some hematological cancers, however, they come with a certain safety risk due to toxicity issues. Kalayoglu said Cartesians assets have been engineered with a predictable half-life in order to mitigate those concerns. Because of increased safety, Cartesians RNA-based programs have the potential to become front-line treatments for some diseases.
Unlike many companies, Charlottesville, Va.-based Ziel Bio did not pivot its pipeline to combat COVID-19. Instead, the company remained focused on its core mission of developing treatments for cancer, particularly a monoclonal antibody against cell surface plectin, a target that is highly expressed on the plasma membrane of multiple types of cancer cells. Kimberly Kelly, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Ziel Bio, said the company has been preparing to take that monoclonal antibody, ZB131, into the clinic in 2021. Kelly said cell surface plectin plays a key role in proliferation, migration, and cell survival and as such, has a significant potential as a drug target for a range of difficult to treat cancers.
Ziel is primarily using funds from a $25 million Series A financing round last year to drive the development of that product, as well as other oncology assets that are in the discovery phase. Having additional assets in development is important because that will help the company grow, she said.
Greg Merrill, CEO of Adaptive Phage Therapeutics, also based in Gaithersburg, Md., said breakthroughs in genomics have boosted his companys ability to use phage therapy with fewer complications in order to better address multi-drug resistant infectious diseases. The company has been able to harness its expanding phage library, known as PhageBank, which was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The company is preparing to begin a Phase I/II study of a phage therapy in conjunction with antibiotics for patients with culture-proven chronic prosthetic joint infection who are candidates for two-stage exchange arthroplasty.
In addition to that movement in its pipeline, Merrill said the company is working with the Department of Defense to develop a phage-based COVID-19 vaccine program. He said the use of phage in humans is well-understood and has the potential to address the growing concern of drug-resistant infections. Merrill added the company has been harnessing the power of machine learning to predict an earlier stage where a particular phage can be effective against a particular bacteria and to predict which phage could be effective based on genomics of a bacterial infection.
While these companies are blazing trails in the BioHealth Capital Region, there are some challenges, particularly in the lack of wet-lab space and less involvement from venture capitalists than in other regions, such as the greater Boston area. While those may currently be lacking, for the most part, the region is filled with strengths, particularly the ability to attract top personnel. Cobbold suggested that the work conducted by biopharma and life science companies in the area is cutting edge, which makes it easier for people to relocate to the area.
Its a magnet for them, he said.
Looking ahead, each of the company representatives suggested that 2021 will bring about multiple milestones, including advancement in clinical development, as well as company growth. Replays of the 6th Annual BioHealth Capital Region forum are available online by visiting https://eventmobi.com/biohealth2020.
Alex Keown is a freelance journalist who writes about a variety of subjects including the pharma, biotech, and life science industries. Prior to freelancing, Alex has served as a staff writer and editor for several publications.
See more here:
BioHealth Capital Region Showcases Strengths of Cutting Edge Therapies - BioBuzz
- Stem Cell Therapy for Kidney Failure [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2011]
- Dogged by pain -- stem cell therapy for dogs [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2011]
- Dogs now getting stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2011]
- Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: Community Outreach San Diego 2011 - Trish Stressman [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment Doing Wonders For Autistic Boy [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2011]
- Is Stem Cell Therapy right for your pet [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2011]
- Regenerative Medicines [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- Heart Failure Patient After Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy For Alzheimer's/Dementia [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy For Alzheimer's/Dementia [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Injections [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2011]
- Clinical Advances in Adult Stem Cell Therapy: Dr. Jorge Paz [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy MS: Sam Harrell and The Superbowl [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy MS: Sam Harrell and The Superbowl [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UCSD Team's Stem Cell Therapy Rationale [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Injection Treatment - Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2011]
- edivet America Dog Arthritis Stem Cell Therapy Stem Cell Therapy for Equine 1 [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UCSD Team's Stem Cell Therapy Approach [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy Clinical Advances - Dr. Jorge Paz in San Diego, CA March 2011 [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy Clinical Advances - Dr. Jorge Paz in San Diego, CA March 2011 [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2011]
- Duffy Gets Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2011]
- WAVE3 News Adipose Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UCSD Team's Stem Cell Therapy Approach [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2011]
- Clinical Advances in Adult Stem Cell Therapy - Dr. Jorge Paz Rodriguez (Miami) [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy - Holly Catalano [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Aspiration - Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2011]
- Dr. Chein discusses Autologous Stem Cell Therapy - Palm Springs [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2011]
- Stroke Victim Improved With Stem Cell Therapy. More at http://www.stemcellfusion.com [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2011]
- Dr. Craig Saunders Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Embryonic stem cell therapy in China (www.esctherapy.com) [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Ying Liu discusses IPS cell therapy for ALS [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy: Healing Force of the future [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2011]
- Benefits of STEM CELL THERAPY - Adipose Tissue [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Skin Repair and Anti-Wrinkle Cream [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Holly Huber on Recovery: Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Community Outreach Dallas, TX 2011 [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Stroke Victim Improved With Stem Cell Therapy. More at http://www.stemcellfusion.com [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- A Touch of Love® - Stem Cell Therapy for Pets-Dr. Danny DeRose-Part 3 [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis Stem Cell Therapy News Coverage [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- The Spinal Cord Journey - Stem cell therapy stories from three spinal cord injury patients [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Peyton Manning Stem Cell Therapy: Some Doctors Cry Foul Over European Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Stem-Cell-Therapy-in-China.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Randolph veterinarian uses new stem cell therapy on ailing pets - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Holly Huber on Recovery: Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Community Outreach Dallas, TX 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Affordable Stem Cell Therapy in Guatemala (2hrs from Miami) - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Research: Macular Degeneration - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Duffy Gets Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- VetCell's StemRegen - the original and best stem cell therapy for equine tendon injuries - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Macular degeneration - Stem Cell therapy (English subtitles) - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Community Outreach Dallas - Darnell Morris - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Congestive Heart Failure [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia: First Choice or Last Ditch? - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2011]
- WAVE3News Adipose Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy in Cardiac Disease - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Autism: Community Outreach Miami, Florida - May 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Pre Post n 6 Months Post Stem Cell Therapy of Dystonic Cerebral Palsy - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis - "I am basically pain free." - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- UMBILICAL CORD STEM CELL THERAPY - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis Adult Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Stimulates IDO - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- HIV/AIDS: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - John Zaia - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment by Adiva Health Care India after Spinal Cord Injury - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease: Stem Cell Therapy Pre-Clinical Studies - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Holly Huber on Recovery: Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Community Outreach San Diego CA - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis - "I got my life back" - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy Following Heart Attack and Stroke - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Stem Cells - Treatment for Autism - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment Diabetes - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy: Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Cure Hair Loss. More at http://www.stemcellfusion.com - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2011]
- BioLogic Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- BioLogic Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- AVS Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]