LIfT BioSciences, an Irish startup in the immunotherapy field, has garnered significant attention after securing a €12 million grant from Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. This allocation marks the largest award ever given by the fund. Among the beneficiaries of the grant are the University of Galway and Hooke Bio, who will collaborate with LIfT BioSciences in advancing the first human trial of an innovative cancer therapy. This approach is drawing interest due to its unique mechanism and potential impact on cancer treatment protocols.
What Makes LIfT’s Therapy Stand Out?
The method, known as Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs), seeks to replace patients’ immune systems rather than retrain them. This is achieved by cultivating neutrophil cells from “super donors” whose immune systems naturally combat cancer. These cells are delivered to patients through intravenous infusions. In contrast to traditional cancer therapies, IMANs are designed to target resistant solid tumors and promote a durable immune response.
How Will the Trial Proceed?
LIfT BioSciences plans to conduct trials by initially testing increasing IMAN doses in small patient groups. This phase aims to identify the optimal and safest dosage. Once established, a larger group of patients will receive these doses in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This trial phase is pivotal for accelerating development and securing additional investment for future projects.
Examining earlier reports, Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund has consistently supported projects with potential societal impact. Previous funding initiatives focused on areas like renewable energy and precision agriculture. However, the €12 million grant for LIfT BioSciences signifies a new direction toward innovative healthcare solutions, highlighting the fund’s adaptive support strategy and commitment to impactful ventures.
The collaboration fostered by the grant involves key players, each bringing specialized expertise. The University of Galway’s cell therapy trial experience pairs with Hooke Bio’s sophisticated analytical tools to monitor patient responses. This partnership framework not only aids the clinical trial process but also strengthens Ireland’s position in the advancement of cancer immunotherapies.
Alex Blyth, CEO of LIfT BioSciences, shared insights into the approach, stating,
“LIfT Biosciences isn’t just developing a new ‘blockbuster’ drug. We’re creating a whole new way of thinking about the body – not just killing the cancer but helping the body to fight back.”
His comments underscore the foundational shift this therapy represents in cancer treatment philosophy.
Commenting on the significance of such projects, Peter Burke, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, remarked,
“We want to fund projects that will make a real difference to people’s lives. The N-LIfT project has come through a rigorous evaluation process and the level of funding awarded reflects its potential.”
These statements reveal the expectations placed on the outcomes of LIfT’s initiatives.
The €12 million grant facilitates groundbreaking research in immunotherapy, enabling LIfT BioSciences to test its promising IMANs therapy in people for the first time. The collaboration with esteemed partners underscores the project’s potential to advance therapeutic strategies. By investing in this venture, Ireland not only aims to enhance cancer treatment outcomes but also to establish itself as a hub for innovative biotechnology solutions.
