XNK Therapeutics AB has set the scientific stage ablaze with groundbreaking revelations unveiled at the 20th Meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity (NK2023) in the picturesque city of Oslo, Norway, this September. The event saw XNK Therapeutics at the forefront, presenting not one but two captivating posters, each offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of natural killer (NK) cell therapies.
In the realm of bladder cancer, XNK Therapeutics showcased a remarkable feat—expanding autologous NK cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) taken from BC patients. What’s truly astonishing is that this feat was achieved both before and after chemotherapy treatment, proving the flexibility of timing for manufacturing.
The results were nothing short of spectacular, with no significant differences observed in total cell yield, NK fraction, or NK cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells between cultures started with PBMCs collected before or after chemotherapy treatment.
Turning the spotlight to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the study’s revelations were equally spellbinding. XNK Therapeutics demonstrated the successful expansion and activation of NK cells from PBMCs of AML patients across diverse cohorts, including those in remission, newly diagnosed, and relapsed/refractory cases. These NK cells displayed activating receptors and exhibited their mettle by degranulating in response to—and obliterating—two different leukemic cell lines.
These groundbreaking findings were made possible through collaboration with esteemed partners. The BC study was conducted in partnership with Anders Ullén and Fernanda Costa Svedman at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Meanwhile, the AML research saw collaboration with Abhishek Maiti and Naval Daver at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, USA.
NK2023, organized by the Society of Natural Immunity, marks its 20th annual gathering, and it’s all about celebrating the awe-inspiring world of NK cells. With over 450 participants converging on Oslo from around the globe, this event serves as the epicenter of NK cell research and development, dedicating an entire day to the evolution of NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Anna-Karin Maltais, the Chief Scientific Officer of XNK Therapeutics, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Discussing our pipeline with the leading NK cell experts at NK2023 will help us refine our path forward, and as one of the leading companies in the field, we are pleased to contribute to this important meeting.” The future of NK cell therapies has never looked brighter, and XNK Therapeutics is leading the way with a spotlight on hope and innovation.
About XNK Therapeutics AB
XNK Therapeutics isn’t just a company; it’s a beacon of hope for cancer patients worldwide. With a relentless focus on revolutionizing cancer treatment, this clinical-stage immunotherapy powerhouse is rewriting the rules of the game.
Armed with a proprietary technology platform, they’re leading the charge in autologous NK cell-based cell therapy development, offering a lifeline to those battling both hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
At the heart of their mission is their star player, evencaleucel, now in the electrifying Phase II spotlight. This game-changer is teaming up with the formidable CD38 antibody isatuximab to tackle multiple myeloma head-on. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
XNK Therapeutics is a force to be reckoned with, with XNK02 gearing up for action in the AML arena, currently undergoing advanced preclinical studies in collaboration with the illustrious MD Anderson Cancer Center. Meanwhile, XNK03 is making waves in the battle against bladder cancer, navigating its way through preclinical studies alongside the esteemed Karolinska University Hospital.
What sets XNK Therapeutics apart is not just their groundbreaking therapies but also the dream team behind the scenes. They’ve assembled a crew of world-renowned NK cell experts who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cancer treatment. Plus, with their state-of-the-art in-house GMP facility, they’re ensuring that every therapy meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
XNK Therapeutics calls Stockholm, Sweden, its home base, but their impact knows no borders. They’re rewriting the narrative of cancer treatment, one breakthrough at a time. With XNK Therapeutics on the frontlines, the battle against cancer has a new champion, and the future looks brighter than ever.
About Bladder Cancer
In the shadows of medical statistics lie the stark realities of bladder cancer, a formidable adversary that made its presence known on a global scale in 2020 with over 570,000 new diagnoses, as reported by the World Health Organization.
This relentless disease ranks as the fourth most common form of cancer in men, casting a foreboding shadow over lives. The American Cancer Society paints a grim picture, estimating that in 2022 alone, bladder cancer will claim the lives of more than 17,000 individuals in the United States.
Bladder cancer doesn’t discriminate; it primarily targets the older generation, with a staggering 90% of patients receiving their diagnosis at the age of 55 or older. For those grappling with locally advanced urothelial cancer, comprising roughly 30% of all bladder cancer cases, hope is a precious commodity.
The sobering truth is that the 5-year survival rate hovers below 40%. Current treatment options, while valiant, may involve drastic measures such as complete bladder removal, radiation, chemotherapy, and the use of checkpoint inhibitors.
When bladder cancer takes on its metastatic form, the odds grow even bleaker. A mere 6% survive beyond five years, underscoring the urgent need for breakthroughs. Presently, standard systemic treatments offer a glimmer of hope in the form of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and antibody-drug conjugates, but the battle rages on.
Behind these statistics lies a profound human struggle, and within it, the untold stories of courage, resilience, and unwavering hope. Bladder cancer may be relentless, but so are the individuals and medical pioneers dedicated to finding a path towards victory in this ongoing battle.
About Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
In the realm of adult acute leukemia, one adversary reigns supreme: AML, the most prevalent form. On a global scale, the harrowing numbers are a stark reminder of its impact, with nearly 200,000 brave souls facing an AML diagnosis each year, and tragically, around 150,000 succumbing to its relentless grasp.
AML is a disease that strikes at the very core of our blood’s creation. Within the bone marrow, a formidable army of abnormal, immature blood cells, known as “blasts,” multiplies unchecked. This insurrection can overwhelm the marrow, disrupting the production of healthy, mature blood cells.
The consequences are profound, with infections and anemia becoming common foes. Yet, the blasts are not content to wage war solely within the marrow; they embark on journeys that can take them far and wide, even infiltrating the central nervous system.
The battle against AML is waged on multiple fronts, and the arsenal of treatments is as diverse as the disease itself. From the tried-and-true methods of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the promise held by stem cell transplantation and targeted therapies like kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, the medical community fights valiantly. Yet, the odds remain daunting, and the outcomes are often grim. The specter of relapse looms large, and the 5-year survival rates hover at a mere 30%.
Behind these statistics are the untold stories of courage and the relentless pursuit of hope. AML may be formidable, but so are the individuals and medical heroes dedicated to rewriting the narrative of this relentless foe.