Arovella Therapeutics Ltd has entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) with the University of North Carolina (UNC) to expand its research capability for IL-12-TM and solid tumour programs.
The biotechnology company, which is focused on developing its invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cell platform to treat cancer, has strengthened its relationship with Professor Gianpietro Dotti’s research group at UNC.
SRA for IL-12-TM technology
In January 2024, Arovella announced an exclusive licence for Professor Dotti’s IL-12-TM technology, developed at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Center.
In lieu of an upfront fee for the licence, Arovella committed to entering into an SRA with Professor Dotti’s group. The SRA will run for one year and contains standard termination provisions.
IP that is developed with Arovella’s sponsorship or jointly invented by UNC and Arovella will be jointly owned and the cost of the SRA to Arovella is expected to be about US$280,000 per annum.
Expands relationship
Arovella’s CEO and managing director Dr Michael Baker said: “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Professor Dotti and his team at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.”
Recent work from the laboratory of Professor Dotti was published in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal, Nature Cancer, comparing CAR-T and CAR-iNKT cells against a range of solid tumours.
Superior cells
His team's work demonstrated that CAR-iNKT cells are superior to CAR-T cells at eliminating solid tumours.
To learn more about the IL-12-TM technology and how it enhances the activity of CAR-iNKT cells, view the new explanatory video – click here.
By entering into a SRA, Arovella strengthens its relationship with Professor Dotti and his team and expands its research capability, which will facilitate the development of its solid tumour programs.
Research scientist appointed
In addition to accessing resources and expertise in Professor Dotti’s laboratory, Arovella has also recruited a post-doctoral scientist, Dr Clinton Heinze, who will be embedded within Professor Dotti’s team to complement the research efforts.
"We are also excited to appoint a talented scientist, Dr Clinton Heinze, to work closely with Gianpietro Dotti’s team. Dr Heinze has a magnificent background, and we are delighted to have him on the project,” Dr Baker said
"This is a great step forward enabling us to further develop our CAR-iNKT cell programs targeting solid tumours.”