Targeting pancreatic cancer with Allogeneic Off-the-Shelf PSCA-CAR NK cells

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Grant Award Details

Grant Number:
TRAN1-16192
Investigator(s):
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$6,036,000
Status:
Closed

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

Targeting pancreatic cancer with Allogeneic Off-the-Shelf PSCA-CAR NK cells

Public Abstract:
Translational Candidate

PSCA-CAR_sIL15 NK cells derived from CD34(+) umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells

Area of Impact

patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer or other cancers that also highly express PSCA

Mechanism of Action

PSCA-CAR_sIL15 NK cells are umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ HSCs that are engineered to target PSCA and express soluble IL-15, and then are differentiated into NK cells. The cells can target PSCA postive tumor cells and the IL15 secreted by PSCA-CAR_sIL15 can activate T cells and NK cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Unmet Medical Need

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly lethal, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 9%, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related death after lung and colon cancer. Pancreatic cancer disproportionately affects Black Americans. Successful translation of our safe, “off-the-shelf” cellular therapy of PSCA-CAR_sIL15 NK cells will diminish the life-threatening clinical manifestations of metastatic PC patients.

Project Objective

Complete Pre-IND submission and finalize IND plans

Major Proposed Activities

  • Manufacture PSCA-CAR_sIL15 NK cells and PK/PD study
  • Pharmacology toxicity and optimize treatment schedule of PSCA-CAR_sIL15 NK cells in efficacy testing
  • Confirm efficacy of PSCA-CAR_sIL15 NK cells under optimized and safe conditions and Pre-IND submission
Statement of Benefit to California:
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly lethal, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 9%, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related death after lung and colon cancer. Pancreatic cancer disproportionately affects Black Americans. Successful translation of our safe, “off-the-shelf” cellular therapy of PSCA-CAR_sIL15 NK cells will diminish the life-threatening clinical manifestations of metastatic PC patients.