Antibodies for targeting CAR-T cells to neuroendocrine tumors

Technology Overview: 
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) pose serious threats to patients’ well-being as malignant diseases, and most patients with metastatic NETs succumb to the disease. Using Sequential Tumor-related Antibody and antigen Retrieving (STAR) technology Dr. Xianxin Hua, MD, PhD at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and his team have identified unique nanobodies which are being tested for their ability to eliminate neuroendocrine tumors in an animal model. 

Applications: 

• CAR-T cell targeting to NET cells
• Conjugation with anticancer drugs to target NET cells
• Tumor diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and imaging

Advantages: 

• Nanobodies show high affinity and low immunogenicity in humans
• Small size (12-15 kDa)
• Capable of recognizing uncommon or hidden epitopes
• Able to bind into cavities or active sites of protein targets

Stage of Development: 

Being validated in animal model to successfully target CAR-T cells to the tumor cells, and for switchable CAR-T

Intellectual Property: 
US Patent Pending 

Desired Partnerships: 

• License
• Co-development

Docket # 18-8498-02