On August 30, 2019 GT Biopharma Inc. (GTBP) (Euronext Paris: GTBP.PA) is an immuno-oncology biotechnology company reported on innovative treatments based on the company’s proprietary NK-engager and Bispecific Antibody Drug Conjugate platforms (Press release, GT Biopharma , AUG 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234539523]).
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Monday was a monumental and reassuring day for those of us involved in the Natural Killer cell (NK) immuno-oncology field. For years, if not decades, visionary researchers such as Dr. Jeffrey Miller at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, understood the potential of NK cells in the treatment of cancers. They remained committed to this concept even as T-cells became the most focus upon immune cell leading to T-cell platforms such as Iovance’s TILs, Amgen’s BiTEs as well as Juno and Kite’s CAR-T. However, each of these platforms and individual therapies has their limitations whether they be safety issues, burden on patients, accessibility issues or cost. Fortunately, a few companies, including GT Biopharma, stayed true to the NK cell hypothesis and continued to drive the science behind this concept.
The recent collaboration, $96M upfront with $5B in milestone/royalty payments, announced on August 27th between Affimed and Roche/Genentech not only provides validation of the NK cell hypothesis but more specifically of the NK cell – engager concept. GT Biopharma, since its inception on September 1, 2017 has been diligently working, along with our colleagues at the Masonic Cancer Center, on bringing our TriKE and TetraKE NK cell-engager platforms into and through the regulatory pathway and into clinical development.
Although there are many similarities between Affimed and GT Biopharma, there are significant differences. Both platforms utilize fusion proteins with one end binding to NK cells and the other targeting a tumor antigen. Significant differences in the platforms reside in the way the proteins are constructed and how they address the NK activation and proliferation issue. Like first-generation CAR-T, without a specific stimulatory agent, the cells become exhausted as their numbers dwindle. GT Biopharma’s innovative NK cell-engager platform incorporates IL-15, a potent activator and proliferator of NK cells. No other, including Affimed’s, NK cell technology has this.
I believe that the NK cell field, much like the T-cell field did some years ago, is about to explode onto the scene with rapid advances in both the science and the clinical development spheres. I also believe that GT Biopharma will be leading that charge and bringing to the clinic innovative and formidable new NK cell-engager based therapies.