LIfT BioSciences Secures €12M Grant for IMAN Cancer Immunotherapy Trials
Cancer, a disease that has long challenged medical science, often finds ways to evade even the most advanced treatments, leading to what is known as "treatment resistance". This resistance is a major hurdle, responsible for the vast majority—over 90%—of cancer-related deaths. But imagine a new class of medicine, one that harnesses the body's own natural defenses to not only fight cancer but to teach the immune system to remember and prevent its return. This is the promise of Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils, or IMANs, a groundbreaking therapy being developed by LIfT BioSciences.
In a significant stride towards making this innovative treatment a reality, LIfT BioSciences, a rapidly emerging biotech company recognized as a global leader in neutrophil immunotherapies, recently announced a landmark grant of €12 million. This substantial funding comes from Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) and is earmarked to propel LIfT’s IMAN therapy into its crucial first-in-human clinical trials, which are anticipated to commence in the final quarter of 2026. This isn't just any grant; it's the largest ever awarded by the DTIF, signaling a strong belief in the transformative potential of LIfT’s approach to cancer treatment.
LIfT BioSciences and the Power of IMANs: A New Strategy Against Cancer
LIfT BioSciences, based in both the UK and Ireland, is at the forefront of a new era of cancer treatment, focusing on allogeneic alpha neutrophil immunotherapy. To understand this, let's break it down in simple terms. Our immune system has various types of cells, each with a specific job. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, often described as the "body's own first responders". They are part of our innate immune system, meaning they are the immediate, non-specific defense against invaders.
LIfT's IMANs are special because they are designed to overcome the vexing problem of treatment resistance in solid tumors. Unlike some targeted therapies that focus on specific markers on cancer cells, IMANs work in a non-antigen-specific manner. This means they don't need a specific "ID tag" on the cancer cell to recognize it. Instead, they identify and destroy cancer cells through "advanced threat pattern recognition". Think of them as highly intuitive detectors that can spot danger broadly, rather than needing a precise facial recognition match.
What makes IMANs potentially "game-changing" is their ability to stimulate not just one, but both branches of the immune system: the innate and the adaptive.
The innate immune system provides immediate, general protection. Neutrophils are key players here.
The adaptive immune system is more sophisticated; it learns and remembers specific threats, providing a more targeted and long-lasting defense.
By activating both, IMANs enable a "comprehensive anti-tumour response". This dual stimulation is crucial because it helps prevent "tumour escape", a phenomenon where cancer cells evolve to hide from or resist conventional treatments. The goal is to deliver a durable, total immune response and, ultimately, lasting immunity against cancer.
The secret behind LIfT's potent IMANs lies in their patented N-LIfT platform. This platform uses exceptional donor stem cells that are grown in a special, proprietary liquid to produce a large quantity of powerful IMANs. The company isn't stopping there; they are also exploring advanced technologies like iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) technology and genetic engineering to create even more effective and cost-efficient next-generation IMAN therapies, aiming for long-term remission for cancer patients and potentially beyond.
The €12 Million Catalyst: Fueling Innovation and Expanding Presence
The €12 million grant from Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is a pivotal moment for LIfT BioSciences. Alex Blyth, the Chief Executive Officer of LIfT BioSciences, underscored its importance, stating that it represents a "significant milestone for LIfT as we expand our presence in Ireland and advance toward closing the second round of our Series A financing". This funding is not just about research; a significant portion of it will be dedicated to CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) manufacturing – ensuring that the therapy can be produced consistently and to high standards – as well as supporting the clinical trial itself. This positions LIfT at the "forefront of next-generation cancer immunotherapies".
The DTIF itself is a testament to Ireland's commitment to fostering innovation. Established under Project Ireland 2040, it's a €500 million fund designed to invest in technologies that demonstrate true innovation and have the potential to address critical national and societal challenges. As Peter Burke, Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, commented, the fund aims to "fund projects that will make a real difference to people’s lives". The N-LIfT project, which includes the IMAN therapy, underwent a rigorous evaluation process, and the substantial funding it received reflects its high potential to be a "game-changer in cancer therapy". This public investment highlights the belief that LIfT's work can truly impact global health. LIfT, registered as Eolaíocht Bhitheach LIfT Teoranta, already has a base in An Spidéal, Co. Galway, and has been supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta to create employment in the Gaeltacht region.
A Powerful Alliance: The Consortium Driving Progress
LIfT BioSciences didn't secure this landmark grant alone. The €12 million was awarded to a consortium that LIfT formed, bringing together three key players, each contributing unique expertise. This collaborative approach highlights the strength of the Irish clinical research ecosystem.
LIfT BioSciences: The innovator of the IMAN therapy, bringing its groundbreaking immunotherapy platform.
University of Galway: Renowned for its "deep expertise in oncology, patient care, and advanced manufacturing," as well as their general prowess in cell therapy development, innovation, and clinical trials. Professor Sean Hynes, a Consultant Histopathologist and Translational Cancer Researcher from the University of Galway's School of Medicine, highlighted the excitement about being at the forefront of new oncological cellular therapies and ensuring patients in the West of Ireland have access to cutting-edge treatments.
Hooke Bio: Pioneers of a novel immuno-analytics platform. Their "Mera body on a plate platform" is specifically designed to enhance therapy response rates. Mark Lyons, CEO at Hooke Bio, expressed enthusiasm for employing their platform to support LIfT's therapeutic development, emphasizing the power of collaboration.
This strategic partnership is vital. As Alex Blyth noted, combining LIfT’s platform with the University of Galway's clinical expertise and Hooke Bio’s analytical capabilities "enhances our clinical-stage research and accelerates the path to delivering IMANs to patients". It's a clear example of how diverse expertise can come together to tackle complex medical challenges.
Paving the Way: The First-in-Human Clinical Trial
With the funding secured, the focus now shifts to the investigator-initiated clinical trial. This trial is specifically designed to assess the feasibility and safety of the IMAN therapy when administered to patients. The initial patient group will be individuals suffering from metastatic cervical cancer or head and neck cancer who have bravely exhausted all standard treatment options, including checkpoint inhibitors. This means these patients have very limited alternatives, making the potential of IMANs even more critical.
The trial will proceed in a carefully phased manner:
Dose Determination: Initially, the trial will test progressively higher IMAN doses in sequential patient cohorts. The goal here is to carefully determine the "biologically active dose" – the amount of therapy that provides the most benefit while remaining safe.
Combination Therapy: Once the recommended dose is established, the trial will expand to additional patients. These patients will receive IMANs at the determined dose in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This combination approach is significant because checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy that helps the body's immune cells better recognize and attack cancer, and combining them with IMANs could potentially enhance their effectiveness.
Dr. Michael McCarthy, a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Principal Investigator at University Hospital Galway, who will lead this trial, emphasized the complexity of cancer and stated that IMANs "have the potential to overcome key limitations of current cancer treatments" by activating both branches of the immune system. He believes this represents a "transformative advancement in cancer therapy". The results of this rigorous evaluation will be crucial in bringing this promising technology to cancer patients more quickly and will also help LIfT attract further investment into Ireland for its ongoing clinical and manufacturing programs in Galway.
Looking Ahead: The Broader Impact and Future of Cancer Treatment
The journey of LIfT BioSciences and its IMAN therapy represents more than just a new drug; it symbolizes a paradigm shift in how we approach cancer treatment. By leveraging the body's natural "first responders" – neutrophils – IMANs offer a fresh perspective on overcoming the persistent challenge of treatment resistance. The aspiration is not merely to extend life, but to achieve cost-effective, long-term remission for cancer patients.
Beyond the immediate impact on patients with cervical and head and neck cancers, the success of this trial could pave the way for IMANs to be tested in a wider range of solid tumors. The ongoing research into iPSC technology and genetic engineering within LIfT BioSciences suggests a future where these therapies become even more accessible and potent, potentially transforming the landscape of cancer care globally.
Furthermore, this grant and the clinical trial underscore Ireland's growing role as a hub for groundbreaking medical innovation. The DTIF's investment not only supports a potentially life-saving therapy but also strengthens the country's biotech sector, fostering job creation and attracting further international investment.
In conclusion, the €12 million grant awarded to LIfT BioSciences and its consortium partners is a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer. It empowers the development of IMANs, a revolutionary immunotherapy that seeks to harness the full power of the immune system to not only attack cancer but to prevent its devastating return. As this first-in-human trial prepares to launch, the medical community, patients, and their families eagerly await the results, hopeful that IMANs will indeed prove to be the "game-changer" that provides a lasting solution to one of humanity's most formidable adversaries.
Cancer Immunotherapy Researchers:
Dr. Lori Pierce: Radiation oncologist and first Black president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) who focuses on improving equitable cancer care and increasing diversity in medicine.
Anabella Villalobos, PhD: Panamanian medicinal chemist.
Additional Hispanic/Latinx scientists, including epidemiologists, cancer cell biologists, microbiologists, and genomics scientists, can be found in the Fred Hutch Atlas of Inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Scientists.Lili Yang, PhD: Professor at UCLA focusing on tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy.
