Orion Corporation and the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service have concluded an agreement on research collaboration with the aim of developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.
The Blood Service has experience in cell research, in the supply of cord blood and stem cell grafts classified as tissue products, and in the preparation of ATMP cell products classified as medicinal products, states Orion in a press release. The Blood Service also has expertise and the necessary clean rooms for the research and high-quality production of therapeutic cells.
Advancing the development of cell therapy in Finland
Orion’s oncology therapy area researches and develops novel drugs for the treatment of cancer. In recent years, Orion has expanded its research activities to include immuno-oncology therapies.
“Both parties are very enthusiastic regarding the opportunities of the collaboration and about advancing the development of cell therapy in Finland. We believe that the collaboration will provide plenty of new opportunities for the development of cell therapy products,” states project managers Satu Juhila from Orion and Jan Koski from the Blood Service.
New possibilities for cancer treatment
The research collaboration is based on new innovations to improve the structure of the CAR T-cell product.
“Targeted immunotherapy has opened up entirely new possibilities for the treatment of cancer, and it is important to advance this development in Finland, too. I also believe that as a result of the development work, more and more patients will be able to benefit from this effective treatment,” says Matti Korhonen, Matti Korhonen, Senior Medical Officer, who leads the research at the Blood Service.
Photo: Orion laboratory Turku
