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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Parker Institute Showcases Breakthroughs in Immunotherapy at ASCO 2025 as CEO Dr. Karen Knudsen Receives Prestigious Honor
Glioblastoma survival extends to 14.6 months; dual-target CAR T shrinks tumors in 85% of patients—milestone results among 50+ presentations across the PICI Network CHICAGO, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the global oncology community gathers for the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (May 30–June 3), the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) is demonstrating how bold science, accelerated through collaborative networks, can drive meaningful progress where patients need it most. At a pivotal moment when scientific breakthroughs in immunotherapy are arriving alongside heightened pressure for faster, smarter impact, PICI's integrated model shows how to compress timelines from discovery to patient care. PICI's presence spans more than 50 presentations including 16 oral sessions, 30+ poster sessions, 10 e-papers and a featured clinical science symposium. This volume reflects not only the strength of the PICI network but also a unique ability to support promising work early and help carry it across the finish line, from foundational discoveries to practice-changing trials. Glioblastoma Breakthroughs: New Hope for Cancer's Most Formidable Challenge After decades of limited progress in glioblastoma, where median survival has hovered around one year, multiple PICI-supported teams are reporting clinical responses that suggest the field may be turning a corner. These advances demonstrate how collaboration, persistence and innovation can converge on even the most intractable problems: Stanford Medicine researchers achieved median overall survival of 14.6 months in recurrent glioblastoma patients using B7H3 CAR T cells delivered directly to the brain via dual Ommaya reservoirs. The Phase 1 study established a recommended Phase 2 dose and demonstrated manageable inflammation using IL-1 blockade, offering a tangible advance in a cancer where meaningful clinical progress has long remained elusive. (Crystal Mackall, MD, Director of the PICI Center at Stanford; Michelle Monje, MD, PhD — Abstract #2018) University of Pennsylvania investigators reported tumor shrinkage in 85% of evaluable patients using bivalent CAR T-cell therapy targeting EGFR and IL13Rα2 in recurrent glioblastoma. Delivered into the cerebroventricular space without lymphodepletion, the engineered T cells persisted in cerebrospinal fluid and blood for up to one year, marking an encouraging step toward sustained response and long-term disease management. (Carl June, MD, Director of the PICI Center at Penn; Donald O'Rourke, MD — Abstract #102) UCSF and Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers identified more than 700 glioma-specific, splice-derived neoantigens using the SNIPP antigen discovery platform. These targets elicited CD8+ T-cell responses in vitro and many were conserved across tumors, opening the door to scalable, potentially off-the-shelf TCR-based therapies. (Hideho Okada, MD, PhD, UCSF — Abstract #2519) Leadership Recognition: PICI CEO Receives ASCO's Highest Honor Dr. Karen Knudsen, PICI's CEO, will receive the Allen S. Lichter Visionary Leader Award during ASCO's opening session, recognizing a career spent building bridges from bench to patient and helping reshape how academic institutions, nonprofits and companies move from insight to implementation. Saturday, May 31, 9:45 AM–12:00 PM CDT, Room N - Hall B1 Dr. Knudsen will also join Endpoints News for a live discussion on research acceleration, regulatory pace and how PICI's model aligns research, policy and investment with the realities facing patients today. Wednesday, June 4, 10:35 AM CDT, Endpoints Stage Network-Wide Impact: Where Discovery Meets Delivery PICI-supported science appears across the ASCO agenda, tackling critical questions in high-burden cancers through studies connected by a framework that enables speed, coordination and clinical relevance. These presentations reflect a hallmark of the PICI approach: compressing the distance between new insight and patient impact, often turning early-stage ideas into clinical action within just a few years. Melanoma Advances DREAMseq Final Results: Optimal treatment sequencing in BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma (Jedd Wolchok, MD, PhD, Weill Cornell; Antoni Ribas, MD, PhD, UCLA — Abstract #9506) Quadruple Immunotherapy: IL-6 blockade combined with checkpoint inhibitors in advanced melanoma (F. Stephen Hodi, MD, Dana-Farber — Abstract #9510) Neoadjuvant Strategy: Pembrolizumab in clinical stage IIB/C melanoma (Alexander Huang, MD, University of Pennsylvania — Abstract #9502) Prostate Cancer Innovation COMRADE Trial: Olaparib plus radium-223 in castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases (Eliezer Van Allen, MD, Dana-Farber — Abstract #5007) C3NIRA Trial: Triplet chemo-immunotherapy induction followed by PARP inhibitor maintenance (Padmanee Sharma, MD, PhD, MD Anderson — Abstract #5008) Breast and Lung Cancer Precision Strategies NeoSTAR Trial: Response-guided neoadjuvant sacituzumab govitecan plus pembrolizumab in early triple-negative breast cancer (Elizabeth Mittendorf, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber — Abstract #511) ADRIATIC Correlatives: Genomic analysis of long-term responders in limited-stage small cell lung cancer (David Barbie, MD, Dana-Farber — Abstract #8014) Translational Platforms INCIPIENT Trial: CARv3-TEAM-E immunological correlates in recurrent glioblastoma (Marcela Maus, MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital — Abstract #2008) BRCA1/2 DNA Vaccines: Plasmid-based immunotherapy platform with and without IL-12 (Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, University of Pennsylvania — Abstract #10505) About the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) accelerates breakthrough immune therapies from discovery to patient impact through a collaborative network of the nation's top cancer centers. Founded in 2016 through the vision of Sean Parker, PICI unites leading institutions in a translational engine built for speed, coordination and clinical relevance. Unlike traditional research models, PICI goes beyond discovery by actively advancing promising innovations through clinical testing, company formation, incubation and commercialization. PICI supports high-risk, high-reward science with shared goals, data and infrastructure, helping compress timelines from laboratory discovery to patient access. The institute has supported more than 1,000 investigators across its network and created a portfolio of 17 biotech ventures with over $4 billion in raised capital. By integrating scientific excellence with entrepreneurial execution, PICI is reimagining how cures are made and accelerating their path to the people who need them most. Learn more at Follow #PICIatASCO for updates throughout the meeting. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Eric McKeebyHead of Communications & MarketingParker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy(646) 522-4605emckeeby@
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Parker Institute Showcases Breakthroughs in Immunotherapy at ASCO 2025 as CEO Dr. Karen Knudsen Receives Prestigious Honor
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the global oncology community gathers for the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (May 30–June 3), the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) is demonstrating how bold science, accelerated through collaborative networks, can drive meaningful progress where patients need it most. At a pivotal moment when scientific breakthroughs in immunotherapy are arriving alongside heightened pressure for faster, smarter impact, PICI's integrated model shows how to compress timelines from discovery to patient care. PICI's presence spans more than 50 presentations including 16 oral sessions, 30+ poster sessions, 10 e-papers and a featured clinical science symposium. This volume reflects not only the strength of the PICI network but also a unique ability to support promising work early and help carry it across the finish line, from foundational discoveries to practice-changing trials. Glioblastoma Breakthroughs: New Hope for Cancer's Most Formidable Challenge After decades of limited progress in glioblastoma, where median survival has hovered around one year, multiple PICI-supported teams are reporting clinical responses that suggest the field may be turning a corner. These advances demonstrate how collaboration, persistence and innovation can converge on even the most intractable problems: Stanford Medicine researchers achieved median overall survival of 14.6 months in recurrent glioblastoma patients using B7H3 CAR T cells delivered directly to the brain via dual Ommaya reservoirs. The Phase 1 study established a recommended Phase 2 dose and demonstrated manageable inflammation using IL-1 blockade, offering a tangible advance in a cancer where meaningful clinical progress has long remained elusive. (Crystal Mackall, MD, Director of the PICI Center at Stanford; Michelle Monje, MD, PhD — Abstract #2018) University of Pennsylvania investigators reported tumor shrinkage in 85% of evaluable patients using bivalent CAR T-cell therapy targeting EGFR and IL13Rα2 in recurrent glioblastoma. Delivered into the cerebroventricular space without lymphodepletion, the engineered T cells persisted in cerebrospinal fluid and blood for up to one year, marking an encouraging step toward sustained response and long-term disease management. (Carl June, MD, Director of the PICI Center at Penn; Donald O'Rourke, MD — Abstract #102) UCSF and Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers identified more than 700 glioma-specific, splice-derived neoantigens using the SNIPP antigen discovery platform. These targets elicited CD8+ T-cell responses in vitro and many were conserved across tumors, opening the door to scalable, potentially off-the-shelf TCR-based therapies. (Hideho Okada, MD, PhD, UCSF — Abstract #2519) Leadership Recognition: PICI CEO Receives ASCO's Highest Honor Dr. Karen Knudsen, PICI's CEO, will receive the Allen S. Lichter Visionary Leader Award during ASCO's opening session, recognizing a career spent building bridges from bench to patient and helping reshape how academic institutions, nonprofits and companies move from insight to implementation. Saturday, May 31, 9:45 AM–12:00 PM CDT, Room N - Hall B1 Dr. Knudsen will also join Endpoints News for a live discussion on research acceleration, regulatory pace and how PICI's model aligns research, policy and investment with the realities facing patients today. Wednesday, June 4, 10:35 AM CDT, Endpoints Stage Network-Wide Impact: Where Discovery Meets Delivery PICI-supported science appears across the ASCO agenda, tackling critical questions in high-burden cancers through studies connected by a framework that enables speed, coordination and clinical relevance. These presentations reflect a hallmark of the PICI approach: compressing the distance between new insight and patient impact, often turning early-stage ideas into clinical action within just a few years. Melanoma Advances DREAMseq Final Results: Optimal treatment sequencing in BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma (Jedd Wolchok, MD, PhD, Weill Cornell; Antoni Ribas, MD, PhD, UCLA — Abstract #9506) Quadruple Immunotherapy: IL-6 blockade combined with checkpoint inhibitors in advanced melanoma (F. Stephen Hodi, MD, Dana-Farber — Abstract #9510) Neoadjuvant Strategy: Pembrolizumab in clinical stage IIB/C melanoma (Alexander Huang, MD, University of Pennsylvania — Abstract #9502) Prostate Cancer Innovation COMRADE Trial: Olaparib plus radium-223 in castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases (Eliezer Van Allen, MD, Dana-Farber — Abstract #5007) C3NIRA Trial: Triplet chemo-immunotherapy induction followed by PARP inhibitor maintenance (Padmanee Sharma, MD, PhD, MD Anderson — Abstract #5008) Breast and Lung Cancer Precision Strategies NeoSTAR Trial: Response-guided neoadjuvant sacituzumab govitecan plus pembrolizumab in early triple-negative breast cancer (Elizabeth Mittendorf, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber — Abstract #511) ADRIATIC Correlatives: Genomic analysis of long-term responders in limited-stage small cell lung cancer (David Barbie, MD, Dana-Farber — Abstract #8014) Translational Platforms INCIPIENT Trial: CARv3-TEAM-E immunological correlates in recurrent glioblastoma (Marcela Maus, MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital — Abstract #2008) BRCA1/2 DNA Vaccines: Plasmid-based immunotherapy platform with and without IL-12 (Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, University of Pennsylvania — Abstract #10505) About the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) accelerates breakthrough immune therapies from discovery to patient impact through a collaborative network of the nation's top cancer centers. Founded in 2016 through the vision of Sean Parker, PICI unites leading institutions in a translational engine built for speed, coordination and clinical relevance. Unlike traditional research models, PICI goes beyond discovery by actively advancing promising innovations through clinical testing, company formation, incubation and commercialization. PICI supports high-risk, high-reward science with shared goals, data and infrastructure, helping compress timelines from laboratory discovery to patient access. The institute has supported more than 1,000 investigators across its network and created a portfolio of 17 biotech ventures with over $4 billion in raised capital. By integrating scientific excellence with entrepreneurial execution, PICI is reimagining how cures are made and accelerating their path to the people who need them most. Learn more at Follow #PICIatASCO for updates throughout the meeting.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cantargia Publishes Promising Preclinical Results Highlighting CAN10's Potential to Inhibit Vascular Inflammation
IL1RAP expression positively correlates with inflammatory markers in human atherosclerotic plaques. IL1RAP blocking antibodies inhibit endothelial activation and neutrophil adhesion induced by IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36. IL1RAP targeted therapy offers a novel strategy to mitigate vascular inflammation. LUND, SE / / May 19, 2025 / Cantargia (Cantargia AB (publ); Nasdaq Stockholm:CANTA) today announced the publication of preclinical results from IL1RAP targeting antibodies in models of vascular inflammation. Cytokines dependent on IL1RAP strongly affect human endothelial cells to induce release of proinflammatory mediators, attract immune cells and increase vascular permeability. These changes can be potently blocked by antibodies targeting IL1RAP. Also, IL1RAP levels in human atherosclerotic lesions correlate with various inflammatory markers, indicating translational possibility into human cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The results are published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). "IL1RAP and its ligands, IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36, are central for inflammation not only because of their effects on immune cells but also due to effects on other cells that respond to inflammation. The work now published show how IL1RAP-targeting antibodies can block inflammation by acting directly on endothelial cells and potentially reduce events important in several inflammatory diseases, including CVD"said David Liberg, CSO of Cantargia Vascular inflammation is a central part of several inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. The current findings revealed that IL1RAP targeting antibodies inhibit the IL-1β, IL-33 and IL-36γ induced release of inflammatory and chemotactic mediators and genes related to endothelial activation and adhesion. Concordantly, endothelial permeability and neutrophil adhesion were inhibited by antibodies blocking IL1RAP. Analysis of human atherosclerotic plaques showed a correlation between the levels of IL1RAP and several of the inflammatory markers reduced by IL1RAP blockade, including interleukin-6 and -8 (IL-6 and IL-8). These data signify IL1RAP as a key regulator in vascular inflammation and in maintaining vascular integrity, which in turn implies targeting IL1RAP may have promising potential in several inflammatory diseases, including CVD. "Inflammation is a central hallmark of atherosclerosis, and our research shows that targeting IL1RAP inhibits important inflammatory markers central in atherosclerosis. The established collaboration with Cantargia is very valuable both for us and for development of therapeutic options within CVDs" said Associate Professor Karin H Franzén, Örebro University These data were generated in collaboration with Associate Professor Karin Franzén's research group at Örebro University. The article, titled "IL1RAP expression in human atherosclerosis - a target of novel antibodies to reduce vascular inflammation and adhesion", by Lindkvist et al., is available at Journal of the American Heart Associations website and at Cantargias website. For further information, please contactDamian Marron, Interim CEOTelephone: +46 (0)46-275 62 60E-mail: About CantargiaCantargia AB (publ), reg. no. 556791-6019, is a biotechnology company that develops antibody-based treatments for life-threatening diseases and has established a platform based on the protein IL1RAP, involved in a number of cancer forms and inflammatory diseases. Cantargia's oncology program, the antibody nadunolimab (CAN04), is being studied clinically, primarily in combination with chemotherapy with a focus on pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. Positive data for the combinations indicate stronger efficacy than would be expected from chemotherapy alone. Cantargia's second development program, the antibody CAN10, blocks signaling via IL1RAP in a different manner than nadunolimab and addresses treatment of serious autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, with initial focus on hidradenitis suppurativa and systemic sclerosis. Cantargia is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker: CANTA). More information about Cantargia is available at About CAN10The CAN10 antibody binds strongly to its target IL1RAP and has a unique capability to simultaneously inhibit signaling via IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36. Inhibition of these signals can be of significant value in the treatment of several inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. The initial focus of CAN10 will be on two severe diseases: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and treatment resistant atopic dermatitis (AD). In preclinical in vivo models of inflammatory diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atherosclerosis, myocarditis and peritonitis, a CAN10 surrogate antibody significantly reduced the development of the disease. A clinical phase 1 study, investigating CAN10 in healthy volunteers and psoriasis patients, is ongoing. Good safety is shown at the completed dose levels, and additional data are expected continuously during 2025. AttachmentsCantargia publishes promising preclinical results highlighting CAN10's potential to inhibit vascular inflammation SOURCE: Cantargia View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Genascence Phase 1b DONATELLO Trial Evaluating Potential First-in-Class Gene Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) Meets Primary Endpoint Showing GNSC-001 Was Safe and Well Tolerated Across Multiple Dosing Arms
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genascence Corporation ('Genascence'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company revolutionizing the treatment of prevalent musculoskeletal diseases with gene therapy, today announced positive 12-month safety and biomarker results from the Phase 1b DONATELLO clinical trial evaluating GNSC-001, a potential first-in-class gene therapy blocking interleukin 1 (IL-1) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Results from the 12-month analysis showed the study met the primary endpoint, demonstrating continued safety and tolerability across all doses tested, as well as the key secondary endpoint showing sustained IL-1Ra expression in synovial fluid, building on data reported through the six-month visit. GNSC-001 is a genetic medicine – a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector expressing an optimized human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), a naturally occurring protein that blocks IL-1 signaling. IL-1 is considered one of the key mediators involved in the pathogenesis of OA, causing inflammation, joint pain, and cartilage destruction. GNSC-001 is designed to offer long-term, sustained inhibition of IL-1 following a single intra-articular injection into the affected joint. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted GNSC-001 Fast Track designation in the fourth quarter of 2024. Genascence recently completed a successful meeting with the FDA on the design of the Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of GNSC-001 focused on clinical efficacy and plans to initiate the Phase 2b/3 study in 2026. 'Osteoarthritis is incapacitating, causing years of pain and disability for people living with the disease. Current treatment options are limited to managing pain and do not treat the underlying disease itself,' said Thomas Chalberg, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Genascence. 'The 12-month safety and sustained IL-1Ra expression data affirms the promise of GNSC-001 to potentially transform the treatment paradigm for OA. We are pleased by the successful meeting with the FDA, and look forward to initiating the study, transitioning GNSC-001 to late-stage clinical development so we can bring a new treatment option to people suffering from this disabling disease.' 'GNSC-001 is the first IL-1 inhibitor that has been shown to generate IL-1Ra expression levels that reach and maintain therapeutic thresholds long-term following a single administration,' said Annahita Keravala, Ph.D., chief scientific officer (CSO) of Genascence. 'Results from the DONATELLO clinical trial suggest that our novel therapeutic approach, a local gene therapy can potentially have therapeutic benefit in knee OA, a disease for which there are no treatments beyond management of symptoms. This would be transformative for people suffering from this debilitating condition, and thus warrants further development.' "These results from the DONATELLO trial reflect the kind of innovation CIRM was created to support,' said Lisa Kadyk, Ph.D., CIRM Fellow, Clinical Development at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), which supported the DONATELLO clinical trial with a $12 million award. 'By harnessing the power of gene therapy, GNSC-001 represents a novel and potentially disease-modifying approach to treating osteoarthritis. We are encouraged by the 12-month safety and biomarker data and proud to have supported this important step toward a more effective, long-term treatment for people living with knee OA." Dr. Keravala will present data from the six-month interim analysis of the DONATELLO clinical trial at the 28 th Annual American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 2025 Annual Meeting, being held May 13-17, 2025 in New Orleans, LA and virtually. The poster presentation details are provided below. Title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Dose-Ranging Phase 1b Study Evaluating Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacodynamics of a Local AAV-Mediated Anti-Interluekin-1 Gene Therapy in Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis: 6-Month Interim Results Date/Time: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 5:30-7:00 pm CT Location: Poster Hall Abstract Number: AMA616 Poster Number: 1849 Abstracts can be found at About the DONATELLO Clinical Trial The DONATELLO Phase 1b clinical trial (NCT05835895) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-ranging study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamics of a single intra-articular injection of GNSC-001 in patients with OA of the knee. The study enrolled 67 participants with OA at 10 centers across the U.S. The first five groups were randomized to receive GNSC-001 at doses of 110 12 vg or 110 13 vg, with or without a short course of oral steroids for immune-conditioning, or a placebo (saline) injection. The trial was expanded to enroll an additional, non-randomized arm. In this arm, pre-treatment synovial fluid sampling was required for entry, and subjects received 110 13 vg GNSC-001 with an abbreviated three-day course of oral steroids plus a local, intra-articular steroid injection. Data and Safety Summary The primary endpoints of the DONATELLO clinical trial are safety and tolerability. Through 12 months of follow-up, data show that GNSC-001 was well tolerated, with no treatment-emergent or treatment-related deaths, serious adverse events (SAEs), or adverse event (AE)-related withdrawals reported. The most common target knee AEs included arthralgia, joint swelling, and joint effusion. The study's secondary endpoints include expression levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in synovial fluid at Month 12, as well as change from baseline to Month 12. Results revealed that mean expression of IL-1Ra reached target therapeutic levels in multiple arms of the study and remained above the target threshold throughout the 12-month follow up period. Immune-conditioning with a short course of steroids generally supported higher levels of prolonged IL-1Ra expression. The DONATELLO clinical trial was supported by a $12 million award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CLIN2-14265). About Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease that is a leading cause of disability. It is characterized by destruction of cartilage and structural changes in bone within the joint, which contribute to pain and loss of joint function. Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million Americans and is increasing as a result of the aging population and increasing prevalence of obesity. Osteoarthritis represents a major economic burden, owing to direct medical costs and loss of productivity. Each year, millions of patients are treated for knee OA with NSAIDs, opioids, and steroid injections into the knee to manage their knee pain. There are no currently available therapies known to alter or slow down OA progression. About Genascence Corporation Genascence, a clinical-stage biotechnology company revolutionizing the treatment of prevalent musculoskeletal diseases with gene therapy, is developing life-changing treatments for highly prevalent conditions affecting millions of people. The company was founded in 2017 with technology licensed from three leading U.S. research institutions: Mayo Clinic, University of Florida, and NYU Langone Health. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Genascence's founders and leadership team have deep experience in the design, development, and manufacturing of successful gene therapies and biological medicines. For more information, please visit
