Investment from Takeda ventures will fund the development of Zelluna Immunotherapy’s allogeneic T Cell Receptor Natural Killer (TCR-NK) cells for the treatment of cancer.
The funds will enable the advancement of a lead TCR-NK product through manufacturing to Clinical Trial Application (CTA) / Investigational New Drug Application (IND) readiness and, continue the advancement of Zelluna’s platform with additional programmes reaching the preclinical stage.
TCR-NK products are a novel and proprietary class of allogeneic cell therapies that combine the inherent, pan-cancer killing mechanism, efficiency, and the allogeneic nature of NK cells with the targeting capabilities of TCRs. Arming NK cells with TCRs may unlock the potential to treat a wide range of currently untreatable cancers.
“We believe TVI makes for a highly fitting investment partner given Takeda’s immuno-oncology research focus and ongoing efforts to develop allogenic cell therapies. We are excited that TVI shares our view of the potential of the TCR-NK platform technology and look forward to working together,” said Namir Hassan, CEO at Zelluna.
