Achilles Therapeutics launched to develop immunotherapies for cancer
A new spin out from UCL will design therapies to target truncal tumour neo-antigens – unique markers to the immune system present on the surface of every cancer cell.
A new spin out from UCL will design therapies to target truncal tumour neo-antigens – unique markers to the immune system present on the surface of every cancer cell.
They were first discovered by Cancer Research UK as well as scientists at the Francis Crick and UCL Cancer Institute.
Professor Charles Swanton, scientific founder of Achilles Therapeutics, said: “Our research could provide a truly personalised approach to lung cancer therapy by targeting cell surface markers that are specific to each patient and present on all cancer cells rather than just a subset of cells. We’re delighted to be able to bring this exciting science closer to the clinic. We hope to create a new and kinder treatment for this hard-to-treat disease that results in around 36,000 patient deaths each year in the UK.”Truncal tumour neo-antigens are present on all cancer cells, so scientists could target and destroy tumours without harming healthy tissues. The spin out will look to merge research from UCL and the Francis Crick Institute and will receive funding from Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health Research.
Achilles Therapeutics was formed after a successful financing round of £13.2m led by Syncona, an investment company.
