BrightPath Bio, Cellistic join forces to advance iPSC-derived CAR-NKT cell therapy for multiple myeloma

BrightPath Bio and Cellistic have entered into a collaboration aimed at advancing iPSC-derived CAR-NKT cell therapy. This partnership focuses on process development and clinical-scale manufacturing for BrightPath’s innovative BCMA-targeting CAR-iNKT therapy, which is being developed for a Phase 1 clinical trial in multiple myeloma patients.

BrightPath Bio, a leader in immunotherapy, has pioneered the use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived Natural Killer T (NKT) cells in allogeneic CAR-T therapies. By utilizing NKT cells, BrightPath seeks to overcome limitations seen in traditional CAR-T therapies, such as immune rejection and limited durability. Cellistic, renowned for its expertise in scalable cell therapy manufacturing, brings its advanced Echo platform—a 3D bioreactor technology designed for efficient and high-quality iPSC-based production—to the partnership.

This collaboration positions BrightPath as a frontrunner in developing scalable iPSC-derived CAR-NKT therapies, with the potential to transform cancer immunotherapy for patients with refractory or hard-to-treat cancers.

What Makes iPSC-Derived CAR-NKT Therapy Revolutionary?

The development of iPSC-derived CAR-NKT cell therapies represents a major step forward in cancer treatment. Unlike traditional CAR-T therapies that rely on T cells sourced directly from donors or patients, iPSC-derived cells allow for the production of “off-the-shelf” allogeneic therapies. These therapies offer benefits such as reduced production time, lower costs, and broader accessibility.

NKT cells, in particular, provide dual benefits: direct tumor killing and immune system modulation. They activate host CD8+ T cells to sustain long-lasting immune responses while also minimizing the risk of immune rejection. By targeting BCMA, a protein commonly expressed in multiple myeloma, the therapy aims to deliver precise and effective treatment for patients who have exhausted conventional options.

Tackling Manufacturing Challenges with 3D Bioreactors

One of the most significant challenges in scaling iPSC-derived therapies lies in manufacturing. Maintaining cell quality and functionality while producing large quantities of a rare cell type like NKT cells has been a key hurdle. BrightPath’s initial success in 2D culture-based manufacturing has paved the way for this next step: scalable production using Cellistic’s 3D bioreactor-based Echo platform.

Ken Nagai, CEO of BrightPath, noted the importance of adopting scalable solutions early in the development process. He emphasized that Cellistic’s expertise in iPSC differentiation, along with its proprietary manufacturing technologies, will allow BrightPath to meet regulatory standards and ensure commercial viability.

Cellistic’s Echo platform is specifically designed to address the complexities of cell therapy manufacturing. By integrating 3D bioreactor technology, the platform can support Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant production while achieving higher yields and maintaining cell potency.

A Collaborative Effort to Advance Cancer Immunotherapy

This partnership not only highlights BrightPath’s innovative approach to cancer immunotherapy but also demonstrates the vital role of advanced manufacturing technologies in accelerating clinical progress. Gustavo Mahler, CEO of Cellistic, underscored the importance of scalability, quality, and compliance in cell therapy production, calling the collaboration a step forward in the mission to deliver groundbreaking treatments to patients in need.

The joint effort also sets a new standard for collaboration between biopharmaceutical innovators and cell therapy manufacturers. By leveraging BrightPath’s expertise in immunotherapy development and Cellistic’s leadership in scalable manufacturing solutions, the partnership is poised to achieve significant milestones in the industry.

Implications for the Future of Cancer Treatment

The BrightPath-Cellistic collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of iPSC-derived therapies. With the BCMA-targeting CAR-iNKT cell therapy heading toward Phase 1 trials, the potential for broader applications of this platform is becoming increasingly evident.

Beyond multiple myeloma, iPSC-derived CAR-NKT therapies could target a range of cancers, offering a versatile and scalable solution to some of the most pressing challenges in oncology. The ability to produce off-the-shelf treatments also opens the door to addressing healthcare disparities, ensuring that advanced therapies reach more patients worldwide.

Looking Ahead

As the field of iPSC-derived cell therapy continues to grow, collaborations like the one between BrightPath Bio and Cellistic will be critical. This partnership not only advances a specific treatment for multiple myeloma but also serves as a model for how innovation and manufacturing excellence can align to bring transformative therapies to market.

The progress made here underscores a broader shift in the biopharmaceutical landscape, where cutting-edge science and industrial scalability converge to shape the future of cancer treatment.