XNK Therapeutics AB ("XNK") has unveiled a groundbreaking research collaboration with Sweden's Karolinska University Hospital, marking a pivotal step in the evaluation of their autologous natural killer (NK) cell therapy candidate, XNK02. This dynamic collaboration aims to introduce a revolutionary therapeutic approach for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment.

Together with Karolinska University Hospital, XNK is embarking on an expansive bioreactor culture study involving immune cells from AML patients. Leveraging XNK's proprietary technology, these cells will undergo activation and expansion. The study's core objectives encompass a comprehensive exploration of the expansion process (NK cell growth) and an in-depth analysis of the expanded NK cells' capacity to effectively eliminate the patient's own tumor cells ex vivo.

Dr. Tim D'Alessandri, Senior Scientist and Project Leader at XNK, expressed enthusiasm about this significant study and collaboration, underscoring the team's eagerness to assess XNK02's potential as a groundbreaking therapy for AML patients. Given the critical need for innovative treatment options, this collaboration takes on immense importance.

Complementing this collaboration is XNK's ongoing partnership with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where XNK02 is being studied using AML patient material from various disease stages.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

AML stands as the most prevalent form of acute leukemia among adults, with nearly 200,000 new diagnoses and approximately 150,000 deaths attributed to it annually worldwide. The condition triggers an overproduction of abnormal, immature blood cells (blasts) within the bone marrow, hindering the development of healthy mature blood cells. This disruption leads to complications like infections and anemia, while the blasts can also disseminate to other body regions, including the central nervous system.

Present treatments encompass chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted approaches like kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. However, patient outcomes remain unsatisfactory, with high relapse rates and 5-year survival hovering around 30%. This collaborative endeavor between XNK and Karolinska University Hospital seeks to rewrite the narrative for AML treatment, promising renewed hope for patients and the medical community alike.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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