Six TIL therapy companies to watch out for

Six biotechnology firms are currently developing tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies, which use a patient’s own cells to fight cancer. While only one TIL therapy, Iovance Biotherapeutics' Amtagvi, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for melanoma treatment, several other companies are advancing TIL candidates in clinical trials for various solid tumors.

Iovance Biotherapeutics, based in California, U.S., is the leading company in this field, with its lifileucel therapy receiving FDA approval for melanoma. The therapy works by extracting a patient's T cells from their tumor, multiplying them in a lab, and reinfusing them to combat melanoma cells. Recent trials have shown promising results, with an objective response rate of 29% and partial responses in 27% of patients.

Clinical trials are currently underway for soft tissue carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and endometrial cancer.

Curacell, a Swedish biotech firm, is also developing a TIL therapy called CC-38 for prostate and colorectal cancers. These "cold tumors" lack infiltrating T-cells and typically do not respond well to immunotherapies. CC-38, based on Curacell's CytoPLY platform, aims to enhance cytotoxicity and is currently in phase 1/2 trials.

Obsidian Therapeutics, based in Massachusetts, U.S., is investigating engineered TIL therapies for melanoma. Its lead candidate, OBX-115, is designed to mitigate interleukin-2 (IL-2) toxicity and improve T cell longevity. Unlike traditional TIL therapies, OBX-115 eliminates IL-2 toxicity, which can cause dangerous side effects like capillary leak syndrome and low blood pressure. This modified TIL therapy is in clinical trials for melanoma treatment.