Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells loaded with oncolytic virus for cancer treatment

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Grant Award Details

Grant Number:
CLIN1-14080
Investigator(s):
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$3,111,467
Status:
Active

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells loaded with oncolytic virus for cancer treatment

Public Abstract:
Therapeutic Candidate or Device

Supernova-1 (SNV1): Allogeneic adipose-derived culture expanded mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) loaded with oncolytic vaccinia virus

Indication

-Metastatic melanoma
-Triple negative breast cancer
-Advanced Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Therapeutic Mechanism

SNV1 will induce direct killing of cancer cells and will modify the tumor microenvironment, converting immunologically "cold" umors into "hot" tumors.

Calidi's final product contains not only stem cells loaded with viral particles, but also immune modulatory cytokines produced by the stem cells as well as virally encoded proteins. Therefore, the tumor microenvironment is modified immediately upon intro-tumoral injection to support effective viral amplification and killing of the cancer cells.

Unmet Medical Need

The proposal's targeted indications are associated with significant morbidity with limited treatment options and poor survival rates. Our new treatment approach will contribute to the effective treatment and improving quality of life of these patients.

Project Objective

Completed product manufacturing & IND application

Major Proposed Activities

  • Manufacturing of the final therapeutic drug product
  • Development and validation of assays for analysis of patient samples
  • IND-enabling animal model studies and electronic submission of the IND application to the FDA
Statement of Benefit to California:
The proposed research will benefit significantly the State of California and its citizens as this novel cancer treatment approach will address the unmet clinical needs of the three targeted indications by improving the standard of care and patients' quality of life and by providing cost-effective treatment options, especially in underserved patient populations. SNV1 can become a valuable product for the California's healthcare system due to its practical application as an off-the-shelf product.