Novel Therapeutics:
Next-Generation CAR-T for Solid Tumors: Reprogramming T Cells for Durable Cures
Dr. Jaehyuk Choi, M.D., Ph.D.
- Director, Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology
- Vice Chair for Translational Research, Department of Dermatology
- Scheryle Simmons Patigian Distinguished Chair in Cancer Immunobiology
- UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dr. Jaehyuk Choi’s team is developing a new generation of CAR-T therapies capable of attacking solid tumors, something existing CAR-T drugs have largely failed to achieve. The innovation comes from a powerful new class of molecules, discovered at Northwestern and now advancing at UTSW, that can “supercharge” T cells, making them stronger, longer-lasting, and safer. The lead molecule has already shown >100-fold potency improvement and durable cures in animal models. By pairing this potency enhancer with a new, highly specific binder against the targets found in gastric, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers, the team aiM.S. to create the first safe, curative CAR-T therapy for these deadly tumors. The vision is to launch a lean, product-focused venture at UTSW that can rapidly move from discovery to first-in-human trials and expand into multiple solid tumor indications.
