Celyad gets patent for TCR-deficient CAR T-cell method

Celyad has announced the issuance of US Patent No. 9,273,283 relating to a method of producing allogeneic primary human T cells that are engineered to be T-Cell Receptor (TCR)-deficient and express a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR).

The US Patent 9,273,283 is the second patent of Celyad allogeneic intellectual property portfolio that is awarded by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The first US patent (9,181,527)   was related to TCR deficient CAR T cells, regardless of the method used to generate them. This new patent strengthens Celyad’s coverage for its proprietary CAR T cells by adding broadly protecting methods for making these modified allogeneic T cells, and providing them as medicines. By this reinforcement of the Company’s patent portfolio in the CAR T field, Celyad confirms its leadership in engineered cell therapy, and in the allogeneic CAR T space.

Allogeneic technology has the potential to broaden the therapeutic applications of CAR T-Cell immunotherapies as it does not depend on cells derived from the patient.

First patent covering a method of producing allogeneic TCR-deficient CAR T-cells

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Christian Homsy, CEO of Celyad, said: “We are pleased to have obtained this new patent. To our knowledge, this is the first patent covering a method of producing allogeneic TCR-deficient CAR T-cells and administering them to patients. Thanks to the combination of this patent with the US Patent 9,181,527 that we received a few months ago, we have a strong patent portfolio covering key elements in the allogeneic TCR-deficient CAR T-cells production value chain. We intend to maximize the significant potential of our allogeneic CAR T-cells platform internally and externally through strategic collaborations and partnerships.”

Dr Peter de Waele, VP R&D and Intellectual Property at Celyad, added: “Obtaining this patent once again illustrates not only the innovative approach of our NKR-T cell platform, but also our proprietary independence. It provides support for our continuous efforts developing promising allogeneic effective therapies, improving process efficiency and broadening availability significantly.”

Celyad currently has preclinical studies underway to develop allogeneic cancer therapies by using a TCR Inhibitory Molecule (TIM) in combination with a next generation CAR construct that incorporates a Natural Killer Receptor (NKR). This proprietary process results in a TCR-deficient NKR T-Cell aimed at eliciting no or a greatly reduced graft- versus-host-disease (GVHD) response.