Stem-Derived IL13Ra2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells for Patients with Melanoma and Advanced Solid Tumors

Return to Grants

Grant Award Details

Grant Number:
CLIN2-14801
Investigator(s):
Institution:
Type:
PI

Disease Focus:
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$10,211,085
Status:
Active

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

Stem-Derived IL13Ra2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells for Patients with Melanoma and Advanced Solid Tumors

Public Abstract:
Therapeutic Candidate or Device

Adult Stem-Like T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to target cancers expressing IL13Ra2, including melanoma.

Indication

Advanced cancers that express IL13Ra2, including melanoma.

Therapeutic Mechanism

When administered to a patient, the engineered T cells will circulate through the blood and tissues to 􀁹nd, recognize and kill tumor cells that express the target IL13Ra2. Then, the cells transition into long-lived memory T cells that will prove lasting immunity against the tumor. In addition, by igniting an immune response against the tumor cells, the engineered T cells will also recruit the body's natural immune system to 􀁹nd, recognize and kill the tumor

Unmet Medical Need

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Patients with advanced cancer lack curative treatment options. Our proposed product provides a potentially curative option for patients with cancers that express IL13Ra2, including deadly cancers like melanoma.

Project Objective

Completion of Phase 1 Clinical Trial

Major Proposed Activities

  • Manufacture the therapeutic product to supply the proposed clinical trial
  • Assess clinical safety of increasing doses of the therapeutic product in a phase 1 clinical trial
  • Assess the activity of the therapeutic cell product through clinical and non-clinical studies
Statement of Benefit to California:
In 2023, over 59,000 Californians are estimated to die of cancer, including nearly 700 patients with melanoma. Californians are in need of new therapies that are safe and effective. The proposed research, which builds on prior CIRM-funded work, will test the safety and effectiveness of stem-like T cells to target and kill cancers, like melanoma, that express IL13Ra2. If successful, this therapy could be used for patients in California with any cancer type that expresses IL13Ra2.