Preconference Workshop Day
July 27, 2021
9.30am - 3:30pm EST | 6.30am - 1.30pm PST
Workshop A - 9:30am - 12pm EST | 6:30am - 9:30am PST
The Path to the Clinic for ICT01, A Novel γ9δ2 T Cell-Activator
for the Treatment of Solid and Hematologic Cancers
With this year holding great potential for the future of γδ T therapies, as we start to see the much anticipated proof of concept data, and the huge opportunity for the cell immunotherapy field to realise success in the solid tumor space, there are still many questions left to be answered to determine if γδ T therapies truly are the next generation of cancer immunotherapy. There is still a need to demonstrate both safety and efficacy of these therapies at a clinical level to bring to market effective solid tumor treatment for patients in need.
This workshop will discuss:
• Regulatory strategies to define EMA and FDA expectations
• Demonstrating and understanding nonclinical safety for a first-in-class immune activator is key to recruiting investigators and patients
• Defining target indications and patient selection criteria based on γ9δ2 T cell biology using translational research increases to probability of success
Workshop Leader:
Paul Frohna
Chief Medical Officer
ImCheck Therapeutics
Workshop B - 1pm - 3:30pm EST | 10am - 12:30pm PST
Enhancing Anti-Tumor Activity of Gamma/Delta T-cells by
Targeting Immunosuppressive Pathways
In recent years, research has given rise to a number of strategies that can be used to harness the strength of the immune system and its cells to fight cancer and other diseases. However, the immunosuppressive nature of the TME continues to serve as a hurdle in reaching clinical success with immunotherapy. Whilst γδ T therapies hold great power to be an effective off-the-shelf therapy for solid tumor treatment, it is important to determine early on to show safety and persistency of these cell products to result in the best clinical success.
This workshop will discuss:
• TGF-beta, IDO, galectins, and prostaglandin E2 as examples of immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment
• Targeting these pathways enhances anti-tumor activity of human gamma/delta T-cells
• Also increases efficacy of bispecific engagers
Workshop Leader:
Dieter Kabelitz
Professor Institute of Immunology
University of Kiel