Utah Patent of the Month – August 2024

Thunder Biotech, Inc., a cancer research company, has secured a patent for their approach to cancer treatment by engineering monocytes and macrophages to fight inflammation and support tissue repair. The method involves introducing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into these immune cells, transforming them into highly specialized macrophages. Once the engineered macrophages encounter a ligand at sites of inflammation, the chimeric receptor is activated, signaling the immune cell to polarize into an M2 macrophage—known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

This technology holds incredible potential, especially in treating inflammatory diseases and cancer, where controlling immune responses is crucial. By polarizing macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, the method helps suppress harmful T-cell activity, promotes tissue regeneration, and facilitates angiogenesis, creating a more favorable environment for healing and repair. It also offers a novel way to manage autoimmune disorders by reducing inflammation precisely where needed.

One of the remarkable aspects of Thunder Biotech’s invention is its specificity. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor can be fine-tuned to bind to targeted ligands, ensuring that the macrophages only activate at the desired sites of inflammation. This precision reduces off-target effects, making the treatment safer and more efficient.

With this innovative technology, Thunder Biotech is pushing the boundaries of immunotherapy. Their engineered macrophages could lead to breakthroughs in how we treat cancer, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, offering a personalized and targeted approach to immune modulation that could transform patient outcomes.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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