Interius BioTherapeutics
Overview
Interius BioTherapeutics is an innovative biotechnology company focused on expanding the potential of cell and gene therapy through advanced delivery technologies. Founded on groundbreaking inventions from Dr. Saar Gill's laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania, Interius is pioneering in vivo cell therapy applications. Based in Philadelphia, this early-stage company has raised $76 million in Series A funding to advance its platform in transforming patient-derived cells into cancer-fighting agents directly within the body.
Recent Developments
- July 2024: Interius BioTherapeutics received regulatory clearance from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to commence a Phase 1 clinical trial of its lead candidate, INT2104, intended for treating B-cell malignancies. The trial, named INVISE (Injectable Vectors for In Situ Engineering), is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 and involves administering a single intravenous dose to transform T and NK cells into chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cells, directly targeting cancer cells without the need for ex vivo manipulations or preconditioning chemotherapy.
- July 2024: Interius announced the initiation of a first-in-human trial after securing Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval and Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) clearance for INT2104. This off-the-shelf gene therapy promises a single-dose infusion to effectively treat different B-cell malignancies.
- May 2024: At the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy 27th Annual Meeting, Interius presented data on their in vivo CAR technology, highlighting its efficacy in both oncology and autoimmune disease programs. Preclinical results showed successful and specific targeting of CD20-positive B cells, critical for treating B-cell malignancies.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | Not specified |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Founders | Not specified |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | $76 million raised in Series A financing |
| Industry | Biotechnology, Gene Therapy |
| Number of Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
Early History
Interius BioTherapeutics was established as a path-breaking entity in the biotechnology sector, rooted in the University of Pennsylvania's innovative research environment. The laboratory of Dr. Saar Gill spearheaded the initial research, focusing on technologies that enable in vivo re-engineering of immune cells to combat cancer directly within the patients' own bodies. By eliminating the need for elaborate ex vivo cell manipulations, Interius sought to address limitations of existing CAR-T therapies, which often require complex manufacturing processes and high costs. This foundational work laid the groundwork for their proprietary gene delivery platform, which aims to redefine therapeutic possibilities in oncology and beyond.
Company Profile and Achievements
Interius BioTherapeutics leverages its proprietary in vivo gene delivery platform to potentially revolutionize treatment paradigms in oncology. Key Highlights:
- Business Model: Develops off-the-shelf, systemic gene therapies that can be administered intravenously to patients, focusing on generating autologous CAR-T and CAR-NK cells in vivo.
- Platform Technology: Utilizes engineered lentiviral vectors for precise in situ CAR cell generation, offering potential breakthroughs in treating diseases not effectively targeted by current therapies.
- Achievements:
- Secured significant initial financing with a $76 million Series A round.
- Obtained regulatory approvals in Australia to initiate first-in-human trials.
- Demonstrated compelling preclinical efficacy and safety data, including in non-human primates and humanized mice, setting the stage for clinical intervention.
- Global Recognition: Interius's paradigm-shifting approach has drawn attention from leading scientific communities and is positioned to substantially influence the biotechnology landscape.
Current Operations and Market Position
Interius BioTherapeutics is actively preparing to commence clinical trials for its leading therapeutic candidate, INT2104. The company focuses on diseases caused by hematologic malignancies, utilizing its groundbreaking gene delivery modalities to engineer immune responses within the patient’s own body. Interius's technology promises to simplify the production and administration of CAR therapies, potentially accelerating patient access to these next-generation treatments. By obviating the need for conventional preconditioning regimens, Interius aims to offer a scalable, cost-effective solution to unmet clinical needs.
Conclusion
Interius BioTherapeutics represents a transformative player in the realm of biotechnology, spearheading advances in in vivo therapeutic gene delivery. With its proprietary lentiviral platform, Interius is set to offer novel, patient-friendly options in oncology and potentially other therapeutic areas. As global trials begin and further data becomes available, the company's unique approach may lead to a new era of precision medicine, characterized by treatments that are both accessible and impactful across multiple diseases. Their work in cell-specific gene therapy remediation signals a promising future trajectory toward addressing complex medical challenges.